Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of solvent extracts of mahua (Madhuca longifolia) flowers and fruit

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of ethanol, acetone, methanol and water extracts of fresh mahua (Madhuca longifolia) flowers and fruit. Antioxidant potential was examined by measuring total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total antioxidant capacity using the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay. Results: The highest and lowest phenol and flavonoid contents were found in the acetone and water extracts, respectively. The antioxidant activity of mahua flowers and fruit measured by different assays were higher in the acetone extract compared to the other solvent extracts (acetone extract>methanol extract>ethanol extract>water extract). Conclusion: The results indicate that the flowers and fruit of mahua are good sources of polyphenols and natural antioxidants and could be useful as functional food ingredients beneficial for human health.