Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity of Hylocereus undatus Foliage: Effects of Using Different Drying and Assays Methods

Abstract:

Phytochemical screening was conducted on Hylocereus undatus foliage to determine the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins using methanol and chloroform solvents via oven-dried and open air-dried methods. As for the antioxidant activity, powdered Hylocereus undatus foliage were extracted using both solvents through Ferric Reduction Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay; and the findings were then compared to 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Ipicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay from previous studies. Results revealed that for both methods in phytochemical screening, flavonoids were present only in methanol extract; however, saponins were present in both extracts. No alkaloid and tannins were present in both extracts using both methods. Antioxidant activity results revealed that the methanol extract (59.05%) and chloroform extract (20.58%) using the FRAP assay were comparable to that of DPPH assay in which methanol extract (88.81%) and chloroform extract (38.30%) were obtained. It concludes that Hylocereus undatus has comparable phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity based on the different drying and assay methods.

• Periodical: Advances in Science and Technology (Volume 123)
• Pages: 53-61
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-m2r02u
• Online since: February 2023
• Authors: Ayub Md Som*, Norizan Ahmat, Hairul Amani Abdul Hamid, Siti Raihanah Abdul Rahman, Nurul Amirrah Rahimudin, Nur Amira Zainidi, Adilah Amirah Ayub
• Keywords: Antioxidant Activity, FRAP Assay, Hylocereus undatus Foliage, Natural Antioxidant, Phytochemical Screening

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