Antioxidant activity, phenolic - flavonoid content and HPLC profiling of three different variants of Syzygium cumini seeds - a comparative study

Background: The medicinally important phytochemicals present in Syzygium cumini seeds probably accounts for its wide use in traditional systems of medicines in India, like Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the antioxidant potential of three different geographical variants of Syzygium cumini seeds and to compare the phenolic profiling inorder to know the effect of geographical variation in phenolic composition. Methods: Total phenolic and flavonoid content of Syzygium cumini seeds were analyzed. Antioxidant activities in terms of DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide and superoxide radical scavenging assays were performed. The most active fractions were subjected to HPLC profiling to identify the phenolic composition. Results: 70% methanolic fraction of Syzygium cumini seed showed potent antioxidant activity among all the fractions. There existed a linear correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant activity. HPLC profiling of 70% methanol fractions of all the variants revealed the presence of phenolic compounds with high concentrations of ellagic acid and gallic acid. The differences in phenolic concentration due to geographical changes might be the reason for higher antioxidant potential showed by 70% methanol of TVM variant. Conclusion: 70% methanolic fraction of Syzygium cumini can act as a novel source of natural antioxidant. [J Complement Med Res 2017; 6(1.000): 107-114