Pharmacognosy, phytochemical study and in vitro antioxidant activity of butterfl y pea flowers (Clitoria ternatea L., Fabaceae) in Bac Lieu

Abstract

The study aims to determine the plant characteristics, preliminary chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of ethanol 96% and aqueous extract of the flowers of Butterfly pea. By analyzing the specimen and consulting with the botanist, it was identified that the Butterfly pea was collected in Bac Lieu was Clitoria ternatea L., Fabaceae. In addition, qualitative results have shown that in the flowers of the Butterfly pea there is the presence of chemical compounds: Anthocyanine, flavonoids, carotenoids, essential oils, free triterpenoids, tannins, saponins, organic acids, reducing agents and polyuronid compounds. In addition, the in vitro antioxidant capacity was performed by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity in comparison with vitamin C as standard. The test sample was at 96% ethanol extract and water extract of the Butterfly pea flowers showed IC50 values of 362.94 μg/mL and 297.39 μg/mL, respectively, though lower than the standard vitamin C (IC₅₀ = 4.72 μg/mL). In conclusion, the aqueous extract showed better antioxidant activity than ethanol 96% extract. The results proved that the Butterfly pea flowers had the potential biological activity to provide the basis for further applicants.