Assessment of flavonoids contents and in vitro antioxidant activity of Launaea procumbens

Background: Launaea procumbens (LP) has been used as a food supplement in Pakistan. In this study methanolic crude extract (LPME) of the whole plant and its different fractions; n-hexane (LPHE); ethyl acetate (LPEE) and chloroform (LPCE) were studied for the determination of total flavonoid and phenolics contents along with multifaceted in vitro scavenging assays. Results: Considerable amount of flavonoid and phenolics contents were found in all the fractions. Methanol and chloroform fraction exhibited efficient scavenging of DPPH center dot, ABTS center dot+, center dot OH, superoxide, lipid peroxide and nitric oxide free radicals. Significant correlation was found between DPPH., ABTS center dot+, superoxide radical, beta-carotene bleaching restraint and phosphomolybdenum assay with total flavonoids and phenolics contents. High performance chromatography (HPLC) of LPME revealed the presence of vitexin, orientin, rutin, hyperoside, catechin and myricetin. Conclusion: These results reveal the presence of bioactive compounds in LPME, which might be contributed towards the various in vitro scavenging.