PROXIMATE COMPOSITION, NUTRITIVE VALUE AND EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF STEM OF DRACAENA REFLEXA LAM

Objective: The stem of Dracaena reflexa was analyzed for preliminary phytochemical screening, proximate composition, nutritive value, total phenolic content and antioxidant potential. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening, proximate analysis, nutritive value were evaluated using standard methods. Total phenols were calculated by folin ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity was performed by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various medicinal active phytoconstituent like alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins etc. Total phenolic content was highest for dichloromethane extract (73.48mGAE/g dry weight). Proximate analysis showed content of ash (8.015%), moisture (3.31%), fat (0.97%), fiber (1.31%), protein (3.70%), carbohydrate (86.01%) and nutritive value (367.56 Kcal/100grams of stems). In DPPH assay highest activities shown by dichloromethane extract with IC 50 values of 0.46 mg/ml and also have FRAP value 2.071. Conclusion: Overall results revealed that Dracaena reflexa stem exhibits excellent nutritive value along with potent antioxidant activity and can be used in medicine as well as in food supplements to prevent the oxidation and rancidity of food.