Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of Acanthus ilicifolius

Acanthus ilicifolius is very potential mangrove plant species. Traditionally used in treatment of several diseases (Hepatoprotective, Anticancer and antimicrobial). The present study was carried out to investigate qualitative and quantitative phytochemical profile of leaves of A. ilicifolius. The leaves powder was successively extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol solvents. Results preliminary phytochemical analysis for carbohydrates, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, quinones, glycosides, terpenoids, coumarins, steroids and phytosteroids, phylobatannins, anthraquinones and phenols both solvent extracts. Whereas, carbohydrates, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, quinones, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids and phytosteroids, phylobatannins and anthraquinones were deficient in A. ilicifolius. Also, cardiac glycosides, were absent in only ethyl acetate extract. In the case of quantitative phytochemical analysis studies highly observed in total phenolics and followed by total flavonoids, total tannins, and total antioxidants. It can be concluded that the species is effective in anti-oxidant anticancer and anti-microbial potential effects.