Sapindus mukprossi Gaertn.: Rich source of antioxidants and reducing agents

Abstract

Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. is an important medicinal and economical tree. Our aim is to evaluate the antioxidant activity from various extracts (ethanolic, methanolic and aqueous) of callus and in vitro leaf extracts. Antioxidant activity and polyphenolic compound was evaluated through different standard methods. Correlation was calculated through linear regression analysis. Methanolic extract of in vitro leaf showed maximum antioxidant activity (602.28 μg ml-1), total flavonoid content (540.11±0.89 mg g-1 of rutin equivalent) and lipid peroxidation inhibition activity (11.70 μg ml-1). But total phenolic content was found maximum (338.76±0.72 mg g-1 of gallic acid equivalent) in ethanolic extract of in vitro leaf. Similarly, reducing potential was maximum in methanolic extract of callus. Very close and significant correlation was seen between antioxidant and polyphenolic content of in vitro leaf and callus extracts. Positive and significant correlation was also observed between antioxidant activities and reducing potential and indicates that reducers present in the extracts play an important role in antioxidant activity. As both extracts showed phytochemical activities, so they can be used for the production of natural antioxidants, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. © 2020 World Research Association. All rights reserved.