In-vitro antioxidant activity of tender shoot of Calamus leptospadix Griff.

Abstract

Calamus leptospadix Griff. belongs to the family Arecaceae, is a very important cluster forming small gregarious cane grown in different parts of the world.  Tender shoots of C. leptospadix are used in food and have got medicinal value in addition to its predominant use in the furniture industry. Antioxidant properties of the three extract viz. methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extract of tender shoots of C. leptospadix were evaluated in this study. DPPH, H₂O₂ scavenging activity, reducing power assay and total phenolic and flavonoids content analysis were carried out. We found that the in methanolic and ethanolic extract of tender shoots of C. leptospadix possess the antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. The total phenolic contents were found to be 79.56 µg GAE in 1mg of methanolic extract and 34.63 µg GAE in 1mg of ethanolic extract. Flavonoids were found to be and 162.33 and 150.62 µg quercetin equivalents in 1mg of methanolic extract and ethanolic extract respectively which contributes to its antioxidant properties. Aqueous extract showed less antioxidant properties as compared to methanolic and ethanolic extract.