Evaluation of Total Phenolic, Flavonoid contents, and Antioxidant activity of Rhus vulgaris leaves extracts

Abstract

Background Rhus vulgaris is rich in various polyphenols and flavonoids that act as free radical scavengers, reduce oxidative stress, and cure various harmful human diseases. Traditionally, the plant is used to treat various diseases including cancer. Methods This study involved extraction using the solvents hexane, acetone, and 80% aqueous methanol, phytochemical screening, and antimicrobial testing. Using the spectrophotometric techniques of Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride, respectively, the plant's total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. The extracts' activity was assessed with the help of the (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Results The extracts mostly contain alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, steroids, carbohydrates, and anthraquinones. Compared to the standard, the methanol extracts showed better inhibitory zones. Results revealed that total polyphenols and flavonoid contents were in the range of 5.82 ± 0.6–83.23 ± 0.6 mg GAE/100 g and 2.21 ± 0.34–23.47 ± 0.87 mg CE/100 g, respectively. Leaves extracts of R.vulgaris was found to have higher antioxidant activities ranging from 0.756 ± 0.8 to 131.56 ± 0.6 mg AAE/g sample. Conclusion The R. vulgaris 80% methanolic extract displayed the highest phenolic and flavonoid concentrations as well as a powerful antioxidant capacity. It could be used as an antibiotic for different curable and incurable diseases.