Phytochemical and antioxidant activity of avocado leaf extract (Persea americana Mill.)

Abstract

Background and Objective: Antioxidants are a necessary nutrient component of the body to prevent and cope with oxidative stress. Avocado leaf allegedly has a natural antioxidant that can meet the needs of antioxidants which are still limited, especially for people with degenerative diseases. This study aimed to identify and analyze the phytochemical content and antioxidant power of avocado leaf extract. Materials and Methods: The type of research is pure experiment. The avocado leaf extraction preparation was macerated using 96% ethanol solvent with a ratio of 1:10 (w/v) for 3×24 h. Phytochemical types analyzed were flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, tannins, alkaloids and steroids. Measurement of antioxidant activity using DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method on avocado leaf extract and vitamin C (control group). Data analysis was unpaired t-test, one-way ANOVA test and linear regression test with significant value was p < 0.01. Results: Positive avocado leaf extract contains flavonoids, saponins, tannins and steroids. Antioxidant activity avocado starch extract (absorbance DPPH = 0.797) is strong with IC50 of 72.61 mg LG-1 and vitamin C as positive control is also very strong with IC50 (mg LG-1) of 23.03. Conclusion: Avocado leaf extract contains phytochemical substances with a strong antioxidant that can be used to prevent and cope with oxidative stress.