Preliminary phytochemical screening and antioxidant activities of solvent extracts from Daucus aureus Desf., from Algeria

The present study was to estimate preliminary photochemical evaluation and in vitro antioxidant of aerial parts extracts of Daucus aureus by using both solvents like ethanol and water. Preliminary phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of tannins, flavanoids, steroids and terpenoids. The extracts were screened for its potential antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The reducing power extract was also determined ascorbic acid was used as a standard and positive control for aerial parts analysis. Ethanol extract showed significant activity with DPPH (2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) radical scavenging compared to standard antioxidant. However, increasing the concentration of the extracts resulted in increased ferric reducing antioxidant power for both extracts tested. From the analyses, ethanolic extract had the highest total phenolic content. Finally, a relationship was observed between the antioxidant activity potential and total phenolic and flavonoid levels of the extract. The results were concluded that extracts have a potential source of antioxidants of natural origin.