Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of In Vitro Anti Oxidant Activity of Punica Granatum Leaves

Abstract

Pomegranate is a large compound of the eastern diets, yet no research has been performed on this product. The pomegranate, Punica granatum belongs to family Lythraceae is an ancient, mystical, unique fruit borne on a small long-living tree cultivated throughout the mediterranean region, as far north as the Himalayas, in Southeast Asia, and in California and Arizona in the United States. Punica granatum is a fruit bearing deciduous herb or small tree growing between 5-8m tall. Punica granatum leaves are used as bitter tonic in fever and used in pneumonia, flu, mouth and lip infections. In recent studies plant has shown anti fungal, immunosuppressant and anti diabetic activity. It is also used in treatment of heart problems, stomach disorders, dental care, cancer, anaemia, osteoarthritis. Punica including Punica protopunica are known to exhibit strong anti oxidant activity. The extraction was subjected to assay by Reducing power, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay, DPPH methods for evaluation of anti oxidant activity. Results revealed that the pomegranate can be categorized as a leave with extremely high anti oxidant potential.