Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology

To explore the physicochemical properties and free radical scavenging activity of Delonix elata L Leaf extract.

The physical evaluation was carried out for the determination of physicochemical profile such as ash values (total ash, water soluble ash and acid insoluble ash), moisture content, various extractive yields and fluorescence analysis of Delonix elata L. The in-vitro antioxidant activities of leaf extract were evaluated by DPPH, Reducing power, Nitric oxide and ABTS⁺ assay.

Physicochemical analysis shows the quality and purity of the crude extract. More water-soluble ash content was found to be higher denoting the enhanced water solubility. Water extractive value 10.05% indicates that water permeates the cells of the leaves and thus, a better extractive value was obtained compared to ethanol, ethyl acetate, hexane and chloroform extract. Fluorescence analysis of leaf extracts of Delonix elata L showed characteristic coloration with various chemicals. In antioxidant studies, a significant correlation existed between concentrations of the extract and percentage inhibition of free radicals. The aqueous extract was also shown to have high phenolic and flavonoid content i.e. 39.49 ± 0.07 and 21.08 ± 0.10 mg/g equivalent than ethanol extract. This may be attributed to the antioxidant potential of leaf against free radical mediated diseases.

This study suggests that the Delonix elata L leaf extract contained pharmacologically active compounds that validating the ethno pharmacological claims. This supports its traditional use for the improvement and maintenance of human health.