Apurva H. Save and Shilpa M. Gharat
Abstract
Piper betle, commonly known as betelvine, belongs to the family Piperaceae and is usually cultivated in Asian countries. Leaves of this plant have medicinal importance. The present study was conducted to determine the phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of Piper betle leaf extracts. Aqueous and methanolic extracts were prepared from dried leaves. Preliminary phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of various phytochemicals such as phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids etc. in these extracts. In vitro antioxidant activity of these extracts was investigated by DPPH-radical scavenging assay. Both extracts showed significant percentage radical scavenging activity.