Effect of method and time of extraction on total phenolic content in comparison with antioxidant activities in different parts of Achyranthes aspera

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of extraction method with respect to time of exposure on total phenolic content and antioxidant potential of methanolic extracts (95%) from Achyranthes aspera leaves, stem and roots. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and antioxidant potential was tested using DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assays. Plant populations aged 60 and 120 days were considered during the study. Overall, highest TPC was evident in mature plants (120 days) compared to younger (60 days). Similarly, leaves accumulated higher phenolics followed by roots and stem. Results showed the MAE technique to be efficient over USE and CSE methods. Same was evident in both the antioxidant assays tested. A similar trend was observed in both antioxidant assays as that of TPC, indicating phenolics to be the major contributor in the antioxidant potential of the plant. In conclusion it can be said that the yield of phenolic compounds depends on parameters viz. age of plant, part used for extraction, method of extraction and time required for the same.