phytochemical analysis and evaluation of leaf and root parts of the medicinal herb, hypochaeris radicata l. for in vitro antioxidant activities

Objective: To analyse qualitative and quantitative phytochemical and evaluate in vitro antioxidant properties of various alcoholic and aqueous extracts of leaf and root parts of Hypochaeris radicata. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical analysis for alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, resins, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids and triterpenoids and quantitative phytochemical analysis for alkaloids, total phenolics, total flavonoids, tannins, saponins and ascorbic acid were made by following standard procedures. In vitro antioxidant properties were evaluated by assessing DPPH•, NO• and ABTS•+, radical scavenging abilities and assaying the reducing power, β-carotene and antihemolytic activities by adapting standard methods. Results: The quantitative phytochemical analysis of this species exhibited the presence of alkaloids, total phenolics, total flavonoids, tannins, saponins and ascorbic acid in considerable quantity. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the species, Hypochaeris radicata clearly demonstrated that both the leaf and root parts have prominent antioxidant properties. Conclusions: From this study, it can be concluded that the species is effective in scavenging free radicals and has the potential to be a powerful antioxidant.