Effect of extraction solvent on total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant capacity of flower bud and foliage of Calligonum polygonoides L.

Calligonum polygonoides L. (Phog) is an endemic perennial shrub of Thar Desert of Rajasthan (India) with dominant biomass and phenolic compounds (13–35% DWB) production capacity in its natural habitat. In the present study, water and different concentrations of ethanol, methanol and acetone (50%, 75% and 100%, respecting) were used for the extraction of phytochemicals from flower bud and foliages. Total phenolics, total flavonoids and total antioxidants of different extracts were investigated using various in-vitro assays. The extract obtained with 50% aqueous methanol exhibited highest phenolic content in flower bud. The 50% aqueous acetone extract exhibited highest phenolic, flavonoids and total antioxidant in foliages. From the results, it can be concluded that 50% aqueous mixture of acetone/methanol/ethanol might be the best suited extraction solvent for efficient extraction of phenolic compounds from C. polygonoides. These results on phenolic, flavonoids and antioxidant activity indicated that C. polygonoides can be used in dietary application through nutraceuticals or functional food with a potential to reduce the oxidative stress.