Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic Content, and GC-MS Analysis of the root of Kawilan (EmbeliaphilippinensisA. DC.)

Abstract

The root of “kawilan” (Embeliaphilippinensis) is known by the Talaandig tribe of Bukidnon, Philippines to cure tumors, cysts, and few types of cancer yet it lacks scientific authentication of its medicinal properties. In the present study, the antioxidant activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of E. philippinensis roots was evaluated by determining the free radical scavenging activity using 2,2 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH)assay method and substantiated by total phenolics content (TPC) by Folin-Ciocalteu’s assay method. GC-MS analysis of methanol extract was also performed to identify the specific semi-volatile chemicals present. Both aqueous and methanol root extracts showed high DPPH inhibition activity at high concentrations. However, the aqueous root extract of E. philippinensis showed higher DPPH inhibition activity than methanol root extract. The TPC assay showed higher phenolics content on the methanol extract. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds with known antioxidant properties: (a) 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, (b) eicosane, (c) hexadecane (d) hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, (e) 9, 12, octadecatrienoic acid, (Z,Z), (f) 9, 12, 15- octadecatrienoic acid, (Z,Z,Z), (g) n-hexadecanoic acid, (h) squalene, (i) phenol, 2,4-bis (1,1-dimethyl), and (j) 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis (2-methylpropyl) ester. Results indicate that E. philippinensis possesses antioxidant properties, which may account for its folkloric medicinal uses.

Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic Content, and GC-MS Analysis of the root of Kawilan (Embelia philippinensis A. DC.) (PDF Download Available). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304805372_Antioxidant_Activity_Total_Phenolic_Content_and_GC-MS_Analysis_of_the_root_of_Kawilan_Embelia_philippinensis_A_DC [accessed Sep 29, 2017].