A Simple Method for the Characterization of Antioxidant Property of Different Extracts of Bark of Gethi (Boehmeria rugulosa)

Abstract

Boehmeria rugulosa is a multipurpose tree of Urticaceae family and is widely distributed in Indian Himalayas. The tree is used mainly for fodder and for making traditional bowls and vessels. The bark is also reported to be used for making bread of non-glutenous crops soft and tasty. The bark of the tree is known to possess medicinal properties as well. The available information on its potential bioactivity and antioxidant property, however, is meagre. The study on the antioxidant property of the B. rugulosa bark was, therefore, undertaken. The antioxidant property of methanol, acetone and acidified methanol extracts of the bark with three different concentrations (0.5mg/ml, 5 mg/ml and 10mg/ml) was determined by phytochemical screening, estimation of total phenolics, total antioxidant activity, total flavonoids and in vitro antioxidant screening models viz., DPPH scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and ABTS scavenging activity. The methanolic extracts for 5 mg/ml concentration showed marked quantity of phenolics and flavonoids and promising levels of antioxidant activity followed by acidified methanol and acetone extracts, indicating potency of the methanolic extracts for therapeutic applications.