Phytochemical screening, total flavonoid, phenolic content assays and antioxidant activity of selected unani formulations

In the present study, unani formulations Habb-e-Suranjan, Habb-e-Azaraqui are evaluated for the presence and quantification of phytochemicals, total antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant capacity. The total phenolic and flavonoid content were estimated according to folin-ciocalteau and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods respectively. The total antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant capacity were conducted according to standard methods. The results of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols and tannins in Habb-e-Suranjan and Habb-e-Azaraqui. The quantitative study of total phenols and flavonoids in these formulations were expressed in terms of Gallic acid and Quercetin equivalents. The total antioxidant capacities of the formulations were less compared to standard ascorbic acid. Hence concluded that the studied unani formulations shown to possess phyto-therapeutic constituents which may be responsible for antioxidant and reducing power activities. Overall, the formulations are proving the claimed therapeutic activities by antioxidant mechanism.