Phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity of Strychnoscamptoneura gilg & Busse (Loganiaceae) leaves

Phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity of Strychnoscamptoneura (Loganiaceae) leaves were studied by using classical tests. The aqueous, hydroethanolic, ethanolic and chloroform extracts were prepared. The most important extraction yield was obtained withhydroethanolic extract. Qualitative analysis by colored tube reactions of aqueous extract revealed 11 major chemical families. Thin layer chromatography of the chloroform extract confirmed the presence of sterols and terpens; the one of hydro-ethanolic extract, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Quantitative evaluation showed 3.56 ± 0.21% alkaloids, a higher content in total phenols and flavonoids with the ethanolic extract compared to the aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts. The antioxidant activity by using the 1-1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method was greater withethanolic extract than with aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts. These results offer good prospects for a possible use of leaves in place of the bark, stems and exudates of this plant by the rural populations.