Phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of codonopsis lanceolata leaves

Abstract

Phytochemicals in Codonopsis lanceolata leaves were saponins, triterpenes, tannins, and flavonoids, not alkaloids. The levels of total polyphenols and flavonoids in Codonopsis lanceolata leaves were measured to evaluate the antioxidant activity. C. lanceolata leaves showed strong 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and potent reducing power. In addition, C. lanceolata leaf extracts inhibited production of nitric oxide (NO) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells. To examine active phytochemical for antioxidant activity, aglycone fraction of C. lanceolata leaves was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Luteolin was identified as a main component of aglycone fraction and showed potent antioxidant activity as determined by a DPPH radical scavenging assay and reducing power test. These results suggest that C. lanceolata leaves are a good source of antioxidants.