Influence Of Ageing On The Phytochemistry And Antioxidant Property Of The Leaves Of Artocarpus Heterophyllus Lam

The study analyses age related variations in the phytochemistry and antioxidant property of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. leaves. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of tender, mature dark green and old yellow leaves were used for the analysis. Leaves of different ages were collected from the same plant. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrate, protein, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, phenols, saponin, tannin, steroids and coumarin in all extracts. Flavanoids were detected only in the old yellow leaves and the presence of amino acids was noticed only in the tender leaves. Comparatively higher concentrations of various secondary metabolites were detected in the older leaves. Antioxidant activity was higher in the alcoholic extract of older leaves followed by that of tender leaves. Results of the study indicate the importance of detailed investigation on the influence of ageing on the phytochemistry and bioactivities of A.heterophyllus for the proper utilization of this plant.