Biochemistry & Analytical Biochemistry

Abstract

Biochemical, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Composition of Equisetum debile Roxb

Rehman T, Shad MA, Nawaz H, Andaleeb H and Aslam M

Biochemical, phytochemical and antioxidant composition of Equistem debile R. stem was determined. The E. debile extract showed the presence of reducing and non reducing sugars, total sugars, free amino acids, water soluble proteins and salt soluble protein. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and total phenolic acid contents. Trolox equivalent total antioxidant activity of methanolic extract determined by DPPH radical scavenging assay was found to be lower than that determined by Phosphomolybdenum assay while the ascorbic acid equivalent total antioxidant activity determined by DPPH radical scavenging assay was found to be higher than that determined by Phosphomolybdenum assay. High value of ABTS+ radical scavenging activity and low values of DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and reducing power have been observed in E. debile extract as compared to Trolox and ascorbic acid. The data provides useful information regarding the nutritional and medicinal importance of E. debile and suggest that this plant possesses good antioxidant activity.