Phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant assessment of Cassia alata (Linn) leaf extracts

Abstract

This study investigated the phytochemical components and assessed the antioxidant activity of Cassia alata leaf extracts. The results showed that alkaloids were present in all the extracts, while saponins, phenols and flavonoids were detected in ethyl acetate and methanol extracts. The antioxidant capacities of the extracts, determined using four models in the presence of vitamin C and quercetin as standards at four different concentrations (0.25, 5.0, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/L), demonstrated that the activities were concentration-dependent in all the extracts. Thus, Cassia alata having important phytochemicals may be used in therapeutic medicine as a source of natural antioxidants.