PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF TENDER STEM EXTRACT OF AEGLE MARMELOS

Abstract

Aegle  marmelos  is  a  semitropical  plant  commonly  known  as  bilva  or  vilvam belongs to family Rutaceae, is  well known among  the  medicinal  plants  because of its diverse medicinal properties. The scientific curiosity about the plant is increased due to its potential for various medicinal properties in almost all parts of the plant. Leaves,  stem  and  root of Aegle  marmelos  contains  significant  amount  of  tannins,  alkaloids,  saponins, flavanoids,  proteins, carbohydrates,  coumarins  and  steroids.  It  is  used  in  preparation  of  several  medicines  as  it  has  potential  to cure various diseases.  Flavones, iso flavones , flavonoids, eugenol, marmesinin and other compounds contribute its antioxidant properties. The reports on tender stem are few so in the present study the  tender  stem  extract  of  agele marmelos is evaluated for its phytochemical constitution and for its  antioxidant  properties. The  antioxidant property of the tender stem extract is estimated by 2, 2, diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, the ABTS radical scavenging assay, and the  super oxide radical scavenging assay. Results revealed the presence of phytochemicals like saponins, tanins, alkaloids, proteins, anthraquinones, steroids, terpenoids, phenols and carbohydrates. Also, antioxidant properties are found in the extract of tender stem.