Affiliation:
1. Molecular Microbiology and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Division of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, New Delhi-110078, India
Abstract
Background:
Oxidative stress is among the main causes of metabolic disorders. Hence, there is a need to
discover potent antioxidants for therapeutic applications.
Objective:
The objective of this study has been to investigate the phytoconstituents of the methanolic extract of the
hard shell of Aegle marmelos fruit and their antioxidant potential.
Methods:
Methanolic extract was fractionated using different solvents by liquid-liquid extraction. Characterization of
the phytoconstituents was done by using phytochemical tests and GC-MS analysis. The free radical scavenging
activity, total reducing power, lipid peroxidation inhibition and cell protection assays against oxidative stress were
performed with methanolic extract and its fractions.
Results:
Therapeutically significant class of compounds, for example, polyphenols, glycosides and sterols were
revealed in the hard-shell extract. Differential separation of compounds was achieved by liquid-liquid extraction
using different solvents. Six compounds: 4-Hydroxybenzeneacetic acid; 5-Oxo-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid methyl
ester; 1-[3-Methyl-3-Butenyl] Pyrrolidine; Trans-sinapyl alcohol; 5-[Hydroxymethyl]-2-furaldehyde and 2,4-
Dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3[2H]-furan-3-one, identified in the fruit-shell extract, are being reported for the first time
from this plant. Strong antioxidant potential of the extract was evident from efficient scavenging of free radicals. The
extract also conferred protection to yeast cells against oxidative damage.
Conclusion:
Results showed that the hard shell of the Aegle marmelos fruit was a potent source for antioxidant
compounds, which can be developed for therapeutic applications in the control and management of metabolic
diseases.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Clinical Biochemistry,Pharmacology