Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Different Solvent Extracts from Underutilized Fruit of Salvadora persica

Plant antioxidants are part of our daily nutrition. The functional bioactivity of a plant extract, in general depends upon the presence of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and polyphenolic compounds including flavonoids and anthocyanins. Salvadora persica is a multipurpose tree with immense ethno-ecological importance and is commonly used for varied medicinal purposes. The extract of different polarity of salvadora persica fruit (commonly known as ‘pilu’) was studied for its phytoconstituents and antioxidant capacity by three different methods. Preliminary phytochemical screening indicated presence of tannins, saponins, sterols, triterpenes, reducing compounds, phenol and flavonoids in the fruit of salvadora persica. 80% methanolic extract possessed good antioxidant capacity among all the extract. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of 80% methanolic extract were found to be 178.09 mg GAE/100gm and 150.78 mg RTE/100gm, respectively. From the results it can be concluded that pilu fruit is considered as moderate source of antioxidant.