Phytochemical and Biological Investigation of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Leaves"

Abstract

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Lin (family Oleaceae), which has long been used traditionally for various medicinal purposes in the Indian subcontinent. In view of this, the present study was designed to investigate for chemical constituents, antioxidant and protein detection, Heamagglutination activity, anti heamolytic activity, anti microbial activity, MIC test by methanolic extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloid, anthraquinone, flavanoid,reducing sugar, saponin, cardiac glycoside and steroid. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, reducing power, total phenol and total flavonoid contents determination assays. The results of the investigations of the present study lend partial scientific support in favor of the traditional uses of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis as traditional use varies among the local practitioners and the scientific evidence that support the traditional uses is not well established. Therefore, this plant deserves extensive and well-designed bioactivity guided isolation of active chemical constituents responsible for their antioxidant activity.