Antioxidant activity and phytochemical screening of Ficus benghalensis aerial roots fractions

 Ficus benghalensis (Moraceae) is an evergreen tree found in south and southeast of Iran as wild and cultivated plants. Different parts of this plant have different effects such as antitumor, antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Aims The aim of this study was investigated the phytochemical screening and antioxidant activities of different fractions of plant roots.

Phytochemical investigation was done by different methods in references. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assay. All chemical materials and solvents were prepared from Sigma-Aldrich, Scharlau and Merk.

All measurements were carried out in triplicate and the data were expressed as mean ± SD. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and tukey test. Results Phytochemical screening showed steroids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, and anthraquinone glycoside are F. benghalensis constituents. This plant had antioxidant activity, but it was lower than the Indian kinds.

This study elucidated Ficus benghalensis could be useful plant with antioxidant activity. Further investigation needs for details.