Abstract

In order to determine the in vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging potential and phytochemical properties of leaves of Ziziphus mauritiana L. and Ziziphus spina-christi L. in comparism with Ascorbic Acid. The present study was undertaken using in vitro antioxidant methods like hydroxyl radical, DPPH radical, lipid peroxidation and superoxide radical standardization methods. The Ethanol and Hexane extracts of Z. mauritiana L. and Z. spina-christi L. leaves were subjected to the methods listed above. The results of antioxidant activity revealed that, the ethanol extract has lower EC50 values than the hexane extract of Z. mauritiana L. and Z. spina-christi L. The lower EC50 value indicates the higher free radical scavenging ability of the plants. So, the ethanol extract has a better antioxidant activity than hexane extract. These results were compared with the standard ascorbic acid solution. The phytochemicals such as cardiac glycosides, polyphenols, saponins and tannins were identified, among others. It is suspected that these active constituents acting singly or in synergy may be responsible for the observed antioxidant activity of these plant species.

Key words: Ziziphus mauritiana L., Ziziphus spina-christi L., free radical, phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity.