?-tocopherol, flavonoid, and phenol contents and antioxidant activity of Ficus carica leaves

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the ?-tocopherol content and to investigate the antioxidant capacities of the extracts prepared from the leaves of Ficus carica L. (Moraceae). The antioxidant capacities of the extracts were evaluated by the phosphomolibdenum spectrophotometric method. ?-Tocopherol content was determined by using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV method. Total flavonoid content was determined by using the aluminium chloride method. Total phenol content was estimated by a modified colorimetric method using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent. The results clearly demonstrate that these extracts have antioxidant capacity. Antioxidant capacity results are consistent with total flavonoid and phenol contents. The ?-tocopherol content of the n-hexane extract was found to be 3.2788%, whereas it was calculated as 0.0570% on the dry-weight basis of the leaves. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Ltd