Screening and evaluation of antioxidant and anticoccidial properties of condensed tannins containing tree leaves of Jammu province

Abstract

Five promising tanniferous tree leaves viz. Acacia nilotica, Eugenia jambolana, Ficus religiosa, L. leucocephala and Psidium guajava were selected for in vitro antioxidant and anticoccidial properties against avian Eimeria species. Condensed tannins (CT) extracts of above tree leaves were prepared in 70 % acetone and then freeze dried in lyophilizer. Antioxidant property of lyophilized acetone extract of different CT sources was evaluated by in-vitro methods. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1- picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity was significantly higher in P. guajava as compared to other CT sources. However, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity was significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in L. leucocephala compared to other CT sources. The CT extract of A. nilotica, E. jambolana, F. religiosa and P. guajava showed significantly (P less than 0.05) higher reducing power than that of L. leucocephala. Sporulation inhibition (%) of Eimeria spp. was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in E. jambolana and P. guajava, followed by A. nilotica, L. leucocephla and least in F. religiosa, while, E. jambolana and P. guajava showed maximum sporulation inhibition activity @ 4 mg/ml. It was concluded that CT extracts of A. nilotica, E. jambolana, F. religiosa, L. leucocephala and P. guajava leaves possess the antioxidant and anti-coccidian property. It may be eco-friendly socioeconomic alternative, natural antioxidant, anti-coccidian agent and/ or natural feed additive for organic meat production.