Free radical scavenging activity, phenolic contents and Phytochemical analysis of seeds of trigonella foenum graecum

Abstract

The search for sources of potent antioxidants of natural origin derived from plants is very important in the wake of decreasing resistance of human beings to various diseases. In the present study, antioxidant activity, phenolic contents and phytochemical profile of various extracts (methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and hexane) of seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) were investigated. Ethyl acetate extract (100 μg/ml) showed highest inhibitory potential with application of DPPH scavenging (69.70%) and chelating power assay (63.44%). The differences in antioxidant activity of extracts are attributed to the presence of various phytochemicals. The IC50 values of different extracts were also calculated. There was found a positive correlation (R ≥ 0.895) between the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of extracts. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols and tannins. Results from different parameters were in agreement with each other. The results reveal that all extracts of the fenugreek exhibit antioxidant activity. These findings suggest that the fenugreek extracts could act as potent source of antioxidants.