Antioxidant properties of maslinic acid extracted from Plumeria rubra leaves

Abstract

Background:Maslinic acid is a triterpene, previously described as one of the active components that may be present in Plumeria rubra (P.rubra) flowers, fruits and leaves.In this study, the antioxidant activities of maslinic acid extracted from Plumeria rubra leaves was determined quantitatively and qualitatively by biochemical analysis

Materials and methods:Plumeria rubra leaves were collected from Ipoh area and were authenticated on theUniversity of Malaya.The antioxidant capability of the triterpene from P.rubra leaves was determined using microtiter plate method. General antioxidant tests such as DPPH and FRAP assays and specific tests for the scavenging activity towards nitric oxide (NO•), superoxide (•O₂^-) and lipid peroxides (LOO•) were done.

Results:Results showed that maslinic acid is a powerful proton donor, and has an IC₅₀ value of >357.65μM and possesses a reducing power (RC₅₀>827.44μM).β-carotene bleaching assay, revealed that maslinic acid IC₅₀ is <15μM and has prevented lipid peroxidation.

Conclusion:Results of this study indicated that P. rubra are promising source of natural antioxidants since the efficacy of antioxidants property was significant in exhibiting neutralization of the cytotoxicity. The in vivo antioxidant properties of P. rubra leaves needed in future investigation