Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of Clitoria guianensis

Abstract

The plant Clitoria guianensis Benth is used as aphrodisiac and central nervous system tonic, according to regional ethnobotanical studies. The present study was aimed to investigate the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of this species. The roots and leaves of Clitoria guianensis were extracted with ethanol and partitioned with different solvents. The fractions results were screened for the presence of phytochemical classes and the antioxidant activity was determined using the free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) sequestration method. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of secondary metabolites classes as much as flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and saponins. All the fractions from leaves were effectively scavenge the DPPH radical. The ethyl acetate leaves fraction show greater antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ 46.3 ug.ml^-1) this antioxidant activity which is related to their flavonoids and tannins content in this fraction.