Free radical scavenging activity and phenolic content of Cassia sophera L

Dried methanol extract of leaves of Cassia sophera L. was dissolved in distilled water, and then fractioned by re-extracting with n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate, subsequently. The free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) of methanol extract and various fractions of methanol extract was determined by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The FRSA of ethyl acetate fraction was superior to all other fractions (IC sub(50) = 15.42 mu g/ml), which was higher than synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole, BHA (18.25 mu g/ml). The amount of total phenolic compounds was further determined. The total phenolic content in EtOAc fraction (13.25%) was the highest as compared to other extracts. The results of this study suggest that this plant could serve as a source of natural antioxidants and preservative agents with potential applications in food industries.