Abstract

In the present study different extracts of Acacia nilotica leaves were tested for total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activities. Extracts were also subjected to phytochemical analysis using GC-MS analytical techniques. Antioxidant potential was determined using DPPH free radical scavenging assay, hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay, metal chelating assay and β-carotene-linoleic acid assay. Methanol extract exhibited maximum antioxidant activity (94.3 %) followed by the ethyl acetate extract (90.7 %). Total phenolic content was highest in the methanol extract and total flavonoid content in ethyl acetate extract. Positive correlation was observed between the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activities. Principle component analysis revealed correlation between different parameters. D-pinitol, catechol, N-2,4-dnp-L-arginine, squalene, R-limonene, 9-octadecen-12-ynoic acid, methyl ester, androst-5-en, 2(1-H)-quinolinone, heptacosane, 2-pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl, linoleic acid, γ-linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid were the main compounds present in different extracts of Acacia nilotica leaves and could serve as a possible source of natural antioxidants in food and pharmaceutical industry.