Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of Melastoma malabathricum and Chromolaena odorata by DPPH radical scavenging method

• Published in: Food Research
• Main Author: Ismail N.H.; Amira N.H.; Latip S.N.H.M.; Zain W.Z.W.M.; Aani S.N.A.; Aziman N.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rynnye Lyan Resources 2021
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85133925807&doi=10.26656%2ffr.2017.5%28S4%29.006&partnerID=40&md5=f3d7e2647e3e9756d49bafea24cb4405

Melastoma malabathricum and Chromolaena odorata are classified under broad-leaved weeds that are widely spread in the open land area. Melastoma malabathricum is commonly known as ‘‘senduduk’’, and C. odorata is locally known as “Pokok Kapal Terbang”. Both weeds are categorized as potential weeds as they have high nutritive value and are rich in chemical compounds. This study aimed to determine their chemical constituents and possible potential for antioxidant activity as these weeds have been reported to possess antioxidant properties. Screening of the plants was performed using standard methods and revealed the existence of various secondary metabolites such as saponins, terpenoids, phenols, tannins, and flavonoids of both weed extracts. Antioxidant activity was validated by the DPPH radical scavenging assay of M. malabathricum and C. odorata crude ethanol extract. The IC50 values for the percentage radical scavenging effects for the extracts were determined. The IC50 value of M. malabatrichum extract was 81.116 μg/mL, C. odorata was 312.903 μg/mL, Vitamin C was 31.023 μg/mL and BHA was 71.521 μg/mL respectively. The study showed that the antioxidant activity of M. malabatrichum was more potent and better than C. odorata. © 2021 The Authors. Published by Rynnye Lyan Resources.