Total Phenolic, Flavonoid Content, and Antioxidant Activity of Some Indigenous Vegetables Grown in West Java, Indonesia

Background/Aims: Leaves extracts from 4 green leafy vegetables of Indonesian origin were screened for total phenolics, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity to evaluate their potential as a source of antioxidants. Methods: The samples used in this study were Bouea macrophylla Griff., Ocimum basilicium L., Pilea melastomoides, and Lactuca sativa leaves. Extraction method that used was maceration using water as solvent. Phytochemical screening was used to determine the presence of phytochemicals qualitatively. Water extract of 4 green leafy vegetables were subjected for FolinCiocalteu method for phenolic content, AlCl3 colorimetric assay for flavonoid content, and DPPH (1,1-diphenil-2-picrylhydrazil) for antioxidant activities. Results: The phytochemical screening showed that all leaves extract contained polyphenols compounds, flavonoids, tannin, and saponins. Bouea macrophylla Griff. leaves had the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity with 201 ± 36.17 mg GAE/g extract, 1.9 ± 0,12 mg QE/g extract, and 70 ppm of IC50 value, respectively. The higher levels of phenol and flavonoid would contribute to antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Bouea macrophylla Griff. was identified as potentially rich sources of dietary phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants.