Free radical scavenging activity of extract and fractions derived from Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houzeau shoot

Abstract

It is important for the body to maintain a balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to remain healthy. The present study aimed to demonstrate the radical scavenging activities of an ethanol extract and five fractions (distilled water, n-hexane, butyl alcohol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate) derived from Phyllostachys edulis (Carrier) J. Houzeau shoots and to compare their antioxidant abilities. The free radical scavenging activity of the ethanol extract and five fractions of P. edulis shoots was investigated using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay, hydroxyl (OH) radical assay, and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical assay. The total phenol content was also evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The results showed that ethanol extract in DPPH radical, chloroform fraction in OH radical, and distilled water fraction in ABTS radical mainly exhibited free radical scavenging activity among the different extract and fractions. The total phenol content in the distilled water fraction was highest compared to that in the ethanol extract and the other fractions (n-hexane, butyl alcohol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate). The results showed that all the extract and different fractions exhibited radical scavenging activity and total phenol content at different magnitudes of potency. This suggests that P. edulis shoot can be used as a natural source of antioxidants in food and medicine.