ABSTRACT:
Different parts of wild plants are still utilized as a nutrient supplement across the world, particularly during the period of famine. In India, wild plants are extensively distributed in the forest areas and occupy a part of tribal culture and traditions. Baccaurea courtallensis (Wight) Muell. Arg. (Family: Euphorbiaceae) is an evergreen tree widely distributed in Western Ghats. It has been enlisted in the endangered species. Conventionally, B.courtallensis is used for treating diarrhoea, diabetes, dysentery, skin infections, piles and mouth and stomach ulcers. The present study was focused to perform preliminary phytochemical screening and to evaluate antioxidant activity of B.courtallensis by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) method. The extractions were carried out with the leaves of B.courtallensis using ethanol. The results revealed the presence of terpenoids, glycosides, reducing sugar, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, phenols and tannins in the extract studied. Further, the extract exhibited potent free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 24.41 µg/ml. The investigation has suggested that these wild plants could be a source of potential drugs.