Variation of total phenolic content, flavonoid and radical scavenging activity of Ipomoea pes-caprae with respect to harvesting time and location

Introduction Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) Sweet (Convolvulaceae) grows profusely in low-lying broad coastal sand dunes. It is known as effective sand binders and thrives well in a very stressful marine environment attributed by high salinity, high temperature, continuous exposure to sun radiation, incessant tidal fluctuations, rainfall, wind, etc 1 . In India particularly in Sundarban estuarine eco-complex I. pes-caprae is known by locals as Chagal khuri and traditionally used for the prevention of rheumatic arthritis 2 . The medicinal properties of this herb have also been well documented in Ayurveda, and used in conditions like inflammation, skin diseases, boils, wounds, ulcers, hemorrhoids and burning sensation 3 . This plant has also been employed as herbal remedy in various countries like Mexico and Brazil to cure inflammations, colonic disorders, diuresis, gonorrhoea, dolorous processes 4,1,5 . Some pharmacological properties of this plant have been confirmed by clinical and preclinical trial 6 . It has been reported that, I. pes-caprae inhibited the contraction of guinea-pig ileum in a concentration-dependent manner 7 . The same extract also showed considerable antiinflammatory action when evaluated in different experimental models 8,9 . Another interesting action demonstrated by this plant was its ability to neutralize or inactivate jellyfish venoms 4 . It has been also reported that the extract obtained from leaves of I. pes-caprae showed insulinogenic and hypoglycemic activities as well as antinociceptive properties 1 . Present study conveys that I. pes-caprae showed significant antioxidant activity compared to other mangrove and halophytic herbs in Sundarban ecosystem 10 . Numerous reports had been published as well regarding the active chemical constituents and several biological activity associated with antioxidant activity of Ipomoea pes-caprae were investigated without taking into consideration the seasonal and geographical impact 5,11,12 . Hence, the aim of this study is to determine the total phenolics, total antioxidant capacity with respect to different seasons, locations and thereby making a reflection on the seasonal and spatial variations regarding the medicinal use of this plant.