PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF CUCURBITA PEPO LEAVES

Kalaiselvi K.* and Selvi S.

ABSTRACT

The extract of leaves of the plant (cucurbita pepo L) was also subject to general chemical test of different types of constituent such as Carbohydrates, Glycosides, Protein and amino acids, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Phytosterols, Tannins, Phenolic and Steroids, Fixed oils and Fat, Gums Mucilage‟s in water, petroleum ether, ethanol, methanol solvent extracts. Phytochemical analysis of the plant has shown the presence of proteins, oil and fats, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and carbohydrates are mostly present in methanol extract. Antioxidant activity was performed using DNPH and Total antioxidant assays. The extract has shown highest DNPH activity of (9711.54ug/g) total antioxidant capacity. Therefore the present study this throws a light to the major active components as well as the biological activities of the Cucurbita Pepo.L that may be considered as important source from the pharmacological point of view.

Keywords: Cucurbita Pepo.L, Phytochemical, DNPH total antioxidant activity.