Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of roots of Plumbago zeylanica L.

Abstract

Background: P. zeylanica L. is a well-known herbal plant that has long been used for its therapeutic properties. The present study aimed to carry out phytochemical screening to determine the total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the methanolic extract of the root of Plumbago zeylanica L. Methods: The antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide scavenging, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. Results: The phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were 2.4% and 16.5%, respectively. P. zeylanica was found to scavenge free radicals with substantial antioxidant properties, exhibiting a high flavonoid and phenolic content. These results also suggest a strong correlation between antioxidant activities, as well as phenolic and flavonoid contents. Conclusion: The plant sample exhibited superior free radical scavenging activity and phytochemical constituents that might be useful for further research on fighting oxidative stress.