Antioxidant Activity of Different Varieties of Plantain Stems by DPPH Method

Abstract

Plantain stems are a common source of bioactive compounds and have been traditionally used in various medicinal preparations. The antioxidant activity of different varieties of plantain stems is conducted due to their potential health benefits. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant activity of different varieties of plantain stems using 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Three different plantain stems were selected for the study. The plantain stems were further authenticated at the department of Botany, Korambayil Ahamed Haji Memorial Unity Women’s College, Manjeri. All the three varieties of plantain stems showed positive result to alkaloid test. Tannin is present in Nendra and Mysore and absent in Poovan varieties. Flavonoid is present in all the three varieties of plantain stems. Phenolic compounds are present in Mysore and Poovan varieties and absent in Nendra variety. Comparison of radical scavenging activity of Poovan plantain stem in aqueous and methanolic extract shows that the Poovan plantain stem shows maximum antioxidant activity in aqueous extract. The mysore plantain stem shows maximum antioxidant activity in aqueous extract. The Nendra plantain stem shows maximum antioxidant activity in aqueous extract. Incorporating the above plantain stems in daily diets have to be popularized for its many health benefits.