HPTLC analysis and in vitro antioxidant activity of aqueous bark extract of Erythrina variegata L.

Abstract

Erythrina variegata L. is an important medicinal plant used in the preparations of Ayurvedic formulations used against several ailments. This study was carried out to investigate the presence of secondary metabolites using phytochemical screening, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting analysis and the antioxidant potential of the aqueous bark extract of E. variegata L. The secondary metabolites and the free radical scavenging activity were analyzed using standard protocols. The results obtained in the present study revealed that E. variegata has high antioxidant activity against free radicals based on phytoconstituents.