Asian Journal of Research in Botany

Plants have significantly contributed to the discovery of modern drugs that have therapeutic potential. This study was carried out in order to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and In vitro antioxidant potential of the leaf and root of Petiveria alliacea extracts. The aqueous and ethanolic leaf and root extracts of Petiveria alliacea were screened by qualitative and quantitative analysis. Different concentrations of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts were scanned within the wavelength range of 378–654 nm. The in vitro antioxidant (catalase and hydrogen peroxide scavenging) potential of the extracts was determined spectrophotometrically. The study revealed the presence of tannins, phlobatannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves and root. High levels of total alkaloids and flavonoids were observed in the ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts. The ultraviolet-visible profile of the extracts revealed high peaks at 378 nm for the leaf and root at different concentrations, confirming the presence of flavonoids and alkaloids in the plant. High hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity was observed in aqueous extracts of the leaf and root, and in the ethanolic leaf extract but not in the ethanolic root extract. The phosphate buffer leaf extract, as well as the soaked ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts, had the highest catalase activity, according to the study. These findings suggest that both the leaf and root of Petiveria alliceae may be good sources of natural antioxidants and might be useful in the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress. These predictors, however, need further work to validate reliability.