Antioxidant Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Ficus benghalensis Aerial Roots Fractions

Context: Ficus benghalensis (Moraceae) is an evergreen tree found in south and southeast of Iran as wild and  cultivated  plants.  Different  parts  of  this  plant  have  different  effects  such  as  antitumor,  antipyretic,  analgesic and anti‑inflammatory. Aims: The aim of this study was investigated the phytochemical screening and antioxidant activities of different fractions of plant roots. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical investigation was done by different methods in references. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and  FRAP  assay. All  chemical  materials  and  solvents  were  prepared  from  Sigma‑Aldrich,  Scharlau  and  Merk. Statistical Analysis: All measurements were carried out in triplicate and the data were expressed as  mean  ±  SD.  Statistical  analysis  was  performed  using  one‑way  analysis  of  variance  (ANOVA)  and  tukey test. Results: Phytochemical screening showed steroids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds,  and anthraquinone glycoside are F. benghalensis  constituents.  This  plant  had  antioxidant  activity,  but  it  was lower than the Indian kinds. Conclusion: This study elucidated Ficus benghalensis could be useful plant with antioxidant activity. Further investigation needs for details.