Antioxidant activity of different parts of Etlingera Coccinea (Zingiberaceae)

Background: Antioxidants help to control or elimination of free radicals which can reduce cellular oxidation in the body providing an important defense against degenerate diseases caused by oxidative stress. Herbal plant is known for its antioxidant properties that can help against disease. Zingiberaceae family of herbal plant that is Etlingera Coccinea were investigated in all parts; leaf, stem and rhizome to assess their antioxidant properties.

Methods: Thin Layer Chromatography and quantitative analysis which are DPPH free radical scavenging activity, Total Phenolic Content and Total Flavonoid Content were tested to ethanol extract of three different parts of the plant. Determined using spectrophotometre methods. The parameter used to measure the radical scavenging activity of extracts and fractions evaluated is IC50 value, defined as the concentration of antioxidant required for 50% scavenging of DPPH radicals. Follin-Ciocalteau Assay for total phenolic content and total flavonoid content.

Results: The TLC plate for all parts of E.Coccinea showed antioxidant constituents. Rhizome part exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (IC50:50.09±0.23 µg/ml).Total phenolic content for ethanol rhizome part also exhibited the highest value which is 2.95mg GAE g⁻1 while for total flavonoid content, rhizome extract stated also the highest value, 0.73mg QE g⁻1

Conclusion: The free radical scavenging activity, TPC, TFC, of the different part of plant extract investigated showed that rhizome part was the highest value.