Phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities of Stephania sp. crude extract from Khanongpra subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study antioxidant capacities by DPPH method and total phenolic compounds by Folin-Ciocalteu’s reagent. After interviewing some local wisdom from Khanongpra sub-district, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, we found that Stephania sp. bulbs have been used as an elixir plant and cosmetic proposes with no report. Stephania sp. bulbs were extracted with water and ethanol to give aqueous and ethanolic crude extract, respectively. The phytochemical test revealed flavonoids, saponin, tannin, and alkaloids in aqueous crude extract, and only alkaloids were found in ethanol extract. The different component results might come from the solubility of each crude extract. It was found that the amount of total phenolic compounds in Stephania sp. ethanol crude extract was 1,067.82 mg equivalent of gallic acid per 100 g of crude extract, which was higher than total phenolic compounds in the aqueous crude extract. Antioxidant activity test of these Stephania sp. crude extracts using DPPH method found that the IC₅₀ of ethanol crude extract of Stephania sp. was lower than aqueous crude extract. These results were corresponding with the total phenolic compounds results by Folin-Ciocalteu’s reagent method. However, the IC₅₀ of Stephania sp. ethanol crude extract was higher than BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole), a positive control. According to its antioxidant activities, Stephania sp. could be a potential plant for the community to develop as a community product in the future.