Abstract

Methanolic and chloroform extracts obtained from various parts of Schinus molle and Gleditsia triacanthos were evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging assay. The methanolic extracts from S. molle showed scavenging activity ranging from 35.97±1.02 to 83.38±2.74%, while the chloroform seed extract showed relatively weak scavenging activity ranging from 8.20±1.02 to 68.82±3.17%. The IC50 values of S. molle methanolic leaves extract, S. molle methanolic stem-bark extract and S. molle chloroform seed extract (SMMELS, SMMESB and SMCHSD) were found to be 476.43, <250 and ~3000 µg mL-1, respectively. The methanolic extracts from G. triacanthos showed scavenging activity ranging from 35.97±1.02 to 92.36±0.11%, while the chloroform seed extract showed relatively very weak scavenging activity ranging from 3.74±1.04 to 15.47±4.57%. The IC50 values for G. triacanthos methanolic leaves extract, G. triacanthos methanolic stem-bark extract, G. triacanthos methanolic thorns extract and G. triacanthos chloroform seed extract (GTMELS, GTMESB, GTMETS and GTCHSD) were found to be 452.32, 720.56, <250 and >3000 µg mL-1, respectively. The positive controls, GAMEOH and GAETAC, showed an IC50 value <250 µg mL-1 each. From this study, we concluded that the extracts from these two medicinal plants, S. molle and G. triacanthos, showed promising antioxidant activity. Therefore, further investigations, such as bioactive guided isolation of pure compounds, antioxidant activity of pure compounds, application of these extracts or pure compounds in culinary, etc., are required.

Key words: Antioxidant, chloroform extract, gallic acid, Schinus molle, Gleditsia triacanthos, radical scavenging assay, methanolic extract.