Phytochemistry, in vitro Free Radical Scavenging, Chelating and Toxicity of Centela asiatica L. (Apiaceae) Ethanolic Leaf Extract

摘要

Centella asiatica L. (Apiaceae) has various pharmaceutical properties and has been widely used for treating various ailments in Ayurvead. The present study was carried out to identify the phytochemicals present in the ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica L. (Apiaceae) leaves using both qualitative and quantitative screening methods, GC-MS and LC-MS analysis. The ethanolic extract was also subjected to in vitro free radical scavenging and chelating activity. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of triterpenoids, saponins, glycosides, sterols and alkaloids. The major components identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were Methyl pyromeconic acid (RT: 5.183), Methoxy vinyl phenol (RT: 8.617), 3',5'- Dimethoxyacetophenone (RT: 11.867), Beta-D-Ribofuranoside (RT: 10.675), Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acid (RT: 12.825), 5-methoxy- 2,2,8,8-tetramethyl-acetate (RT: 25.733) and Nobiletin (RT: 27.275). The major components identified by liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis were Maltol, 3', 5’-Dimethoxyacetophenone, Papyriogenin A, Asiatic acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassoside and Madecassic acid. Centella asiatica ethanolic extract effectively scavenges hydroxyl (OH?), superoxide anion (O2?–), DPPH?, nitric oxide, ABTS?+ and chelates in a concentration-dependent manner (12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 μg/ml). The LC50 values for in vitro toxicity and haemolytic activity was found to 69.17 ±3.2 and 476.19 ±5.9 μg/ml, respectively. The present study indicates the presence of strong antioxidant, free radical scavenging and chelating properties in the ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica L. (Apiaceae) leaves.