Evaluation of Phytochemical Constituents and In-Vitro Antioxidant Properties of Ficus asperifolia Leaf Extracts

Abstract

This study evaluated the phytochemical constituents and in-vitro antioxidant properties of Ficus asperifolia leaf extracts. The evaluation of the phytochemistry showed the presence of bioactive compounds of saponins, alkaloids, terpenes, tannins, steroids, phlobatannin, cardiac glycosides and carbohydrates were confirmed present in the extracts of F. asperifolia. Flavonoid concentration varied significantly (p<0.05) in the increasing order of aqueous > ethanol > methanol extract. The nitric oxide scavenging activities of the aqueous extracts of F. asperifolia were significantly (p<0.05) higher in comparison to the methanol and ethanol extracts respectively. The total antioxidant capacity of the methanol extract were significantly (p<0.05) higher when compared to both the aqueous and ethanol extracts respectively. The results of this study support the application of F. asperifolia in herbal medicine.