Pharmacognostic evaluation and in-vitro antioxidant potential of Bhovara (Ipomoea cairica (L.) crude extracts using various solvents

Abstract

In ayurveda Ipomoea cairica has its own importance to treat various health problems. It is tropical plant and a wild relative of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), which is considered as one of China's most invasive alien species. Ipomoea cairica is a climber plant in the Convolvulaceae family that is frequently used as a medicinal herb in India and Western Asia. In this study two different solvents like water and ethanol were used for the extraction of Ipomoea cairica. The highest extraction yield was obtained by using Ethanol.  The antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content of aqueous and Ethanolic extracts were investigated using various in vitro assays. Study revealed that Ethanolic extract showed the highest antioxidant potential activity by DPPH (2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity. The same extract also exhibited the highest phenolic content (22.03±1.21 mg Gallic acid equivalent/g dried Ipomoea cairica) and the highest flavonoid content (8.54±0.42 mg Quercetin equivalent/g of Ipomoea cairica). These results indicate that ethanolic extract of Ipomoea cairica can be used to reduce oxidative stress.