Phytochemical analysis and determination of antioxidant levels in Curcuma Longa L. roots

Abstract

Curcuma longa L. is a tropical plant that has roots similar to those of ginger plant. Roots of C. longa also known as turmeric is very important due to its antioxidant activity. The Aim of this research was to determine the antioxidants present and their concentrations. In particular, the antioxidant of interest were alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and steroids. Quantitative analysis was carried out using both Ultraviolet (UV) visible spectrophotometry and direct measurement of the sample. Saponins and flavonoid quantities in the samples were measured by weighing the masses while steroids, tannins and alkaloids were determined using UV visible spectrophotometer where standard curves were used to determine the concentrations of the antioxidants. It was found out that all the extracts used (methanol and aqueous) contained all the antioxidants listed above. The concentrations of antioxidants in aqueous solution were 1.84 mg/ml Saponins, 0.37 mg/ml flavonoids, 0.528 mg/ml, 1.45 mg/ml and 0.194mg ml of tannins, alkaloids and steroids respectively. Concentrations from the methanol extract were 1.91 mg/ml saponins, 0.34 mg/ml flavonoids, 0.267 mg/ml, 1.193mg/ml and 0.123 mg/ml of tannins, alkaloids and steroids respectively. Therefore, since Curcuma longa contains antioxidants in high concentrations, it can be used as an alternative source of antioxidants.