Evaluation of phytochemical constituents and antioxidant potential of hydro-alcoholic and aqueous extracts of Murraya koenigii L. and Ficus carica L.

Summary Introduction: Murraya koenigii L. and Ficus carica L. have been traditionally used in folk medicine for treating several diseases. Objective: The present study was proposed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant potential of hydro-alcoholic and aqueous extracts of leaves of M. koenigii and dried fruits of F. carica. Methods: Phytochemical screening was performed using different methods and antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity, DPPH radical-scavenging activity, reducing power assay, nitric oxide radical scavenging activity, and superoxide radical-scavenging activity. Results: The results showed that the hydro-alcoholic and aqueous extracts of leaves of M. koenigii and dried fruits of F. carica possess a significant quantity of flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids (9.0%, 0.9%, 0.6% and 7.3%, 8.7%, 0.44%, respectively) and also possess a significant antioxidant activity as evaluated by employing different antioxidant assays. Conclusion: It may be concluded that the hydro-alcoholic and aqueous extracts of leaves of M. koenigii and dried fruits of F. carica exhibit significant antioxidant activity.