Antioxidant capacity and metabolic characterization of aqueous and ethanolic extraction of Saraca indica

Saraca indica (Ashoka) is an important medicinal plant and the compounds present in this plant are very helpful in preventing various diseases. Further, it is an important drug used in many Ayurvedic formulations. Asoka is used in Ayurveda to treat a variety of conditions, including excessive uterine bleeding, gynaecological issues, internal piles, diabetes, dyspepsia, indigestion, burning sensation, blood disorders, fractures, tumours, bites, ulcerations, etc. Therefore, keeping in view of above beneficial effects, the aim of the present study was to investigate phytochemical screening, antioxidant capacity and metabolic characterization of aqueous and ethanolic extraction of Saraca indica . Phytochemical evaluation was performed using standard protocol. The in vitro antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content was determined. UV visible spectroscopy was used to recognize quantitative determination. The active metabolites of the plant Saraca indica have been studied using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. IC50 values of DPPH radical scavenging assay for aqueous and ethanolic extracts were 380µg/ml and 350µg/ml, respectively. IC50 values of ABTS + radical cation scavenging assay for aqueous and ethanolic extracts were 200µg/ml and 350µg/ml, respectively. Major functional groups and active metabolic compounds in the S. indica were identified by FT-IR and GCMS, respectively. Saraca indica is an excellent source of natural antioxidants and the antioxidant activity observed may be due to phenolic and flavonoid content in the aqueous and ethanolic extract.