Evaluation of antioxidant profile of various solvent extracts of Carissa opaca leaves: an edible plant

BACKGROUND: Carissa opaca leaves were conventionally recommended by local hakims in Pakistan for curing various human diseases including renal, hepatic and jaundice. In this work we arranged to study the antioxidant status of various fractions of C. opaca leaves through nine multifaceted assay systems. METHODS: Various fractions were prepared through solvent–solvent extraction technique on the basis of their polarity. The fractions were screened via different free radicals viz; DPPH·, ABTS(·+),OH·, O(2)·, iron chelating and hydrogen peroxide assays. Total concentrations of phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoids were studied. RESULTS: Various fractions of C. opaca leaves showed significant activities against the tested reactive free radicals. The C. opaca was shown to have the highest TPCs with lowest EC(50) values for the DPPH·, ABTS(·+) radical scavenging capacities and iron chelating scavenging efficiency, moreover, C. opaca had best activities in scavenging of superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide as well as potently scavenged the hydroxyl radicals. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the potential of C. opaca leaves as a medicine against free-radical-associated oxidative damage.