International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 13 Issue: 01 | Jan 2026
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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DETERMINATION OF TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENT AND TOTAL FLAVONOID CONTENT FROM LEAF AND FLOWER EXTRACTS OF Calotropis gigantea USING UV SPECTROSCOPY R. Kanmani1, V.S. Sanjay2, k. Shanmugavel3, S. Sakthivel4 1 Assistant Professor, Sri Vijay Vidyalaya College of Pharmacy, Tamil Nadu, India.
2, 3, 4, B. Pharm students, Sri Vijay Vidyalaya College of Pharmacy, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Abstract- This study aimed to evaluate the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) present in leaf
and flower extracts of Caltrops gigantean using UV–Visible spectrophotometric techniques. Phenolic and flavonoids are bioactive plant constituents widely recognized for their antioxidant potential and therapeutic significance. Ethanolic extracts of the leaves and flowers were prepared and assessed for TPC using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, while TFC was determined through the aluminium chloride colorimetric assay. Gallic acid and quercetin served as calibration standards, with absorbance readings recorded at 765 nm and 415 nm, respectively. The quantitative analysis demonstrated that leaf extracts contained significantly higher levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds than flower extracts. Results were expressed as milligrams of Gallic acid equivalents and quercetin equivalents per gram of extract. These findings suggest that Calotropis gigantea, particularly its leaves, represents a valuable source of natural antioxidant compounds and provides scientific support for its use in traditional medicine. Keywords: Calotropis gigantea, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, UV–Visible analysis, antioxidant properties, medicinal plant
1. Introduction Medicinal plants have long been recognized as invaluable sources of therapeutic agents in both traditional healthcare systems and modern pharmacology. For centuries, plant-based remedies have played a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, owing to their rich reservoir of bioactive compounds. The medicinal potential of plants is largely attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites, particularly phenolic compounds and flavonoids. These phytochemicals are known for their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Among these, antioxidant activity is of particular importance, as oxidative stress caused by free radicals is a major contributor to the development of chronic and degenerative diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids exert their antioxidant effects primarily through their ability to donate hydrogen atoms or electrons, thereby neutralizing free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. In addition, these compounds can chelate metal ions and modulate antioxidant enzyme activities, further enhancing cellular defence mechanisms. Due to these protective effects, the evaluation of phenolic and flavonoid content in medicinal plants has gained significant attention in recent years, serving as a reliable indicator of their antioxidant potential and overall therapeutic value. Calotropis gigantea (L.) R. Br., belonging to the family Asclepiadaceous, is a well-known medicinal plant widely distributed across India and other tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. The plant is commonly referred to as “giant milkweed” and has been extensively used in traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Various parts of the plant, including leaves, flowers, roots, bark, and latex, have been traditionally employed for the treatment of a wide range of ailments such as skin diseases, inflammation, asthma, fever, cough, rheumatism, and wound healing. The latex of the plant is particularly known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, while the leaves and flowers are often used for their analgesic and antioxidant effects. The pharmacological significance of C. gigantea is closely linked to its diverse phytochemical composition. Previous studies have reported the presence of several bioactive constituents, including phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, steroids, and terpenoids. These compounds collectively contribute to the plant’s wide spectrum of biological activities. However, the concentration and distribution of phenolic and flavonoid compounds may vary among different plant parts, influencing their antioxidant capacity and therapeutic effectiveness. Quantitative determination of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) is therefore essential for assessing the antioxidant potential of plant extracts. UV–Visible spectrophotometry is one of the most commonly
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