PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF E. PROSTRATA (L.) L- A VALUABLE HERB

Objective: In this study, phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity, total phenolic, flavonoid contents and reducing potential of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L plant prepared in different solvents (methanolic, ethanolic and double distilled water) was evaluated by various assays. Methods: Polyphenolic contents, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) radical scavenging activity and reducing power of the plant was estimated by modified protocol. Results: In DPPH free radical, methanolic extract of plant was most potent in activity with 50% inhibition at 333.34 µg/ml . and 398.12 µg/ml concentration respectively. Total phenolic content was maximum in the methanolic extract of plant (52.5±0.64 mg/g of gallic acid equivalent) and total flavonoid was maximum in aqueous extract of plant (193.12±1.65 mg/g of rutin equivalent). High reducing capacity of plant was observed in case of methanolic extract. A significant correlation was found between antioxidant activity and polyphenolic content (total phenols and total flavonoids). Moreover, a significant correlation was found between antioxidant activity and reducing potential of plant extract, denoting that reducers are important contributors to antioxidant. Conclusion: The study shows E. prostrata as an important natural source of antioxidants. Keywords: Eclipta prostrata , Plant extract, Antioxidant activity, Polyphenolic content, DPPH activity, H 2 O 2 scavenging activity, Reducing potential