Antiradical capacity and reducing power of different extraction method of <i>Areca catechu</i> seed

Abstract

Areca catechu is a common traditional Chinese medicinal plant used to treat dyspepsia, constipation, beriberi and oedema. The antiradical capacities of different extraction method of A. catechu extracts were evaluated by scavenging activity on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl  (DPPH) and superoxide radicals. Reducing power, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also detected. Based on DPPH radical scavenging activity, the 100% methanolic extract (AME of 38.77%) is the most effective followed by 50% water/methanol (AWM) and 100% water (AWE) extracts (22.92 and 21.47%, respectively). In addition, the extracts of AME (78.04%), AWM (75.77%) and AWE (68.42%) were effective in superoxide radical scavenging activity in comparison with the control (ascorbic acid and gallic acid). The reducing power, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the AME extract was found to be superior to other extracts. The results indicated that different extraction method of A. catechu extracts were related to their antiradical activities and reducing power. The present study suggests that A. catechu  extracts are useful nutritional antioxidants for the nutraceutical industry.

Keywords: Areca catechu, antioxidant activity, radical scavenging, reducing power