Phytochemical, Antioxidant Property And Free Radical Scavenging Activity Of Henckelia humboldtiana (Gardner) A. Weber & B.L. Burtt (Gesneriaceae).

The present study was carried out to investigate the phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant activity of whole plant of Henckelia humboldtiana. Qualitative phytochemical screening of methanol and ethanol extracts of Henckelia humboldtiana revealed the presence of alkaloids, catechins, flavonoids, phenols, quinones, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, sugars, glycosides and xanthoproteins. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. Antioxidant activity have been tested using various antioxidant model systems viz. DPPH, hydroxyl, superoxide, ABTS and reducing power. Ethanol extract of H. humboldtiana is found to possess higher DPPH, superoxide and ABTS radical scavenging activity while methanol extracts is found to possess higher hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Ethanol extract of whole plant of Henckelia humboldtiana shows the highest reducing ability. This study indicates the significant free radical scavenging potential of Henckelia humboldtiana whole plant. This is the first report on the antioxidant property of this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]