The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2018;7(3):263-269 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2018.7306

Research Article

GC-MS, phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant activities of leaves of Canavalia cathartica Thouars

Saraswathi K¹ , Rajesh V² , Saranya R³ , Arumugam P²

Saraswathi K,Rajesh V,Saranya R,Arumugam P

1. Karpaga Vinayaga College of Engineering and Technology, Madhuranthagam, Kancheepuram Tamil Nadu– 603 308, India
2. Armats Biotek Training and Research Institute, 14/18C, Link road, Mettu street, Maduvinkarai, Guindy, Chennai Tamil Nadu - 600 032, India
3. Meenakshi College for Women, Kodambakkam, Chennai Tamil Nadu – 600 024, India

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 25th March, 2018 / Accepted: 21st May, 2018

Abstract

Plants have been used for thousands of years to flavour and conserve food, to treat health disorders and to prevent diseases including epidemics. The knowledge of the anti-oxidant properties has been a promising method of assessing free radicals damage. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant activities of leaves of Canavalia cathartica and to identify the bioactive compounds by performing GC-MS analysis resulting in the presence of volatile and semi volatile compounds. The IC50 of DPPH? radical, ABTS?+ radical cation, Nitric oxide radical scavenging assays were 84.03, 51.18 and 351.78µg/mL concentration respectively. Also, the IC50 of Phosphomolybdenum reduction and ferric reducing power assay were 81.53 and 87.64µg/mL concentration respectively. The results of this study portray the effective antioxidant activity of Canavalia cathartica and further studies are required to isolate the active compounds from various parts of this species and their mode of action. From the study it can be concluded that the plant might be promising as a curative for many diseases associated with free radicals.