Phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of Epipremnum aureum (Linden and Andre)

In the present study, phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidative potential of different explants of E. aureum were evaluated. Methanol was used as solvent for extraction of E. aureum three explants (leaf, root and stem). Phytochemical screening was done by performing different chemical tests and presence of carbohydrate, protein, steroid, glycosides, alkaloids, saponins and amino acids were detected. Total phenol content and total flavonoid content was also determined using UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Antioxidant activity was analyzed for enzymes catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Antioxidant potential and free radical scavenging activity was assessed in vitro using DPPH and FRAP methods. Observation revealed the presence of higher concentration of alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids and terpenoids in methanol extract of leaves. Leaves showed high antioxidant activity due to catalase and peroxidase enzymes. E. aureum stem showed highest IC50 value than leaves and aerial roots whereas leaves showed maximum free radical scavenging potential. It could be concluded that leaf fraction of Pothos (E. aureum)is rich in secondary metabolites followed by other parts and showed relatively maximum enzyme activity, antioxidant potential and free radical scavenging activity in comparison to aerial roots and stem. Thus leaf extract of E. aureum plant could serve as a good source of useful drugs.