Phytochemical and Antioxidant Activities of Selected Ornamental Plants in the Philippines

Abstract

The Philippines being considered as an important biodiversity hotspot in the world, possess a rich source of flora. Some ornamental plants are found to be sources of drugs being used to treat various ailments. This study aimed to focus on screening phytochemicals natural antioxidants present in locally available ornamental plants in the Philippines. The samples used in the study were the crude ethanolic leaf extracts of White angel (Wrightia antidysenterica L. R.Br.), Cabbage rose (Rosa sp.), Calachuchi (Plumiera alba) and,Ilang ilang (Cananga odorata). Phytochemicals from the samples were qualitatively identified using different spray reagents by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), while Free Radical Scavenging Activities of the samples were determined using DPPH Assay and Ascorbic acid as standard. Results showed that the plant samples are positive for the presence of anthraquinones, coumarins, phenols, steroids/sterols. All have triterpenes except, Cananga odorata. Furthermore, bothWrightia antidysenterica L. R.Br.and Plumiera Alba have alkaloids, while flavonoids, sugars, and tannins are present in Wrightia antidysenterica L. R.Br.andCananga odorata. All have antioxidant activities (expressed as EC 50 ) against the free radical DPPH at varying amounts.Antioxidant activity of the plant samples were found in following order: Ascorbic acid (38 μg/ml) >Rosa sp.(76 μg/mL) >Wrightia antidysenterica L. R.Br. (107 μg/mL) >Cananga odorata(139 μg/mL) >Plumiera alba (203 μg/mL). This study highlighted that indigenous ornamental plants in the Philippines are promising alternative sources of compounds with medicinal values.