ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Comparative study on free radical ameliorating potential of stem and the leaf extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus

The Plectranthus amboinicus is known for its medicinal properties. The extracts from this plant material are used to treat different diseases which include cold, respiratory disorders, digestive problems, skin infections, cough, chronic asthma, bronchitis, hiccups, etc. The present study aimed to compare and evaluate the antioxidant property of two aerial parts of the plant, the stem and the leaf extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus. The different type of extracts was prepared with fresh leaves, fresh stem and dried leaves, with methanol as the solvent for extraction. The antioxidant potential of each extract was checked and the result obtained showed the fresh stem extract had the highest antioxidant activity. The study result shows that the methanolic extracts of dried leaves have Tannins, flavonoids, phenol and reducing sugars. The methanolic extract of fresh leaves and fresh stem extracts showed the presence of Tannins, flavonoids, quinone, steroids, phenols and reducing sugars. The phenolic content of the methanolic extract of the stem is high compared to fresh and dried leaves. The anti-oxidant potentials were assayed through the FRAP, FTC and TBA assays, the results showed that the free radical scavenging property of the methanolic extract of the stem is high compared to the fresh and dried leaves. The methanolic stem extract has high phenolic content and also shows high free radical scavenging properties than the methanolic extract of fresh and dried leaves.