Effects of solvents on microwave assisted extraction of phytoconstituent from the fruits of Pithecellobium dulce Preethi

Various traditional systems of medicine enlightened the importance of Pithecellobium dulce. There are reports on the medicinal values of the leaves and seeds of this plant. The present study was discusses the microwave assisted soxhlet extraction of Pithecellobium dulcefruit powder and its screening on pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical analysis followed by total phenolic, flavonoid and carbohydrate estimation. The crude extracts were obtained by microwave assisted soxhlet extraction with solvents; 20 % ethanol and Methanol which was further partitioned based on polarity. The fruit extracts were studies for its in vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH, Phospho molybdenum and Ferric ion reducing method. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was found to be higher in methanolic extract which was obtained bypartitioning with chloroform (MEC) 46.8 ± 2.83 mg/g of Gallic acid equivalent and 1.27 ± 0.03 mg/g of Quercetin equivalent respectively. The total carbohydrate content was found to be higher in 20% ethanol; 113.4 ± 0.04 mg/g of dextrose equivalent. The in vitro antioxidant assay revealed free radical scavenging potential of Pithecellobium dulce fruit, compared with standard antioxidant. This antioxidant activity is endorsed for its high phenolic content. Thus our findings provide evidence that P.dulce fruit is a potential source of natural antioxidant and a good source of carbohydrates.