Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, successive and crude methanolic extracts of Jatropha curcas leaves were evaluated for their
phytochemical screening, total polyphenol content and antioxidant activities. Qualitative phytochemical screening was tested and
showed positive results for flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, Saponins, Coumarins, sterols and triterpenes compounds. The highest total phenolic content (104.40±9.33 mg GAE/g d.w.) was found in successive methanolic extract. However, the highest total
flavonoid content (64.17±0.51 mg QUE/g d.w.) was detected in crude methanolic extract. The antioxidant activity was assessed by
using three assays; free radical scavenging activity (DPPH), total antioxidant activity and reducing power activity. The successive
methanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in all assays. Individual polyphenolic compounds were evaluated in
successive methanolic extract using HPLC and the major compound detected was catechin (0.15%). Results confirmed the presence
of therapeutically potent compounds in the leaf extracts predominantly phenolic and flavonoid. |
