Original article Thin-layer chromatography and in vitro free radical scavenging activity of few medicinal plants from the surroundings of Junagadh, Gujarat, India

A collection of medicinal plants was done from the ambience of Junagadh district, Gujarat, India. These plants were subsequently screened to know their phytochemical potential. The in vitro antioxidant activity was also evaluated using DPPH and nitric oxide scavenging methods. Qualitative phytochemical screening and total phenolic content have been evaluated for each plant extract. TLC showed the presence of various phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, glycosides, saponins, sterols and tannins. Methanol and water extracts of plants exhibited the highest amount of phenolic content. There was a difference in per cent inhibition of DPPH and nitric oxide scavenging activity showed by extracts. In the case of DPPH scavenging activity, water extracts of Peltophorum pterocarpum (DC.) K. Heyne leaves and Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels leaves showed the highest free radical inhibition up to 76.37 0.42% and 67.49 0.51%, respectively. In the case of nitric oxide scavenging action, all the extracts of Bauhinia variegata L. bark and P. pterocarpum leaves showed nitric oxide inhibition more than 75%. The plants like B. variegata, P. pterocarpum and S. cumini revealed high level of phenolic compounds. In conclusion, extracts of B. variegata, P. pterocarpum and S. cumini leaves can be served as the vital source of phenoilcs and flavonoids for having antioxidant potential.