109-118
Lupeol: An antioxidant triterpene in Ficus pseudopalma Blanco (Moraceae)
Authors: Librado A Santiago, Anna Beatriz R Mayor
Number of views: 291
Objective: To assess the antioxidant activity of Ficus pseudopalma Blanco (Moraceae) (F.
pseudopalma) and characterize the active components present in it.
Methods: Column chromatography of crude ethanol leaf extract of F. pseudopalma was
performed and seven fractions were obtained, labeled as F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7. DPPH, FRAP,
Griess, Fenton and superoxide radical scavenging assays were performed to assess the antioxidant
ability of the fractions. Thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography
and Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to identify and characterize the
bioactive component present in each fractions of F. pseudopalma.
Results: DPPH and FRAP assay showed that F5, F6 and F7 exhibited the good proton accepting
ability and reducing power as compared to the other fractions. All fractions exhibited a good nitric
oxide radical scavenging activity wherein F1, F2 and F3 showed the highest inhibition. However,
all of the fractions exhibited a stimulatory activity on hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. Lupeol
matched one of the spots on the thin layer chromatography chromatogram of the fractions. Linear
gradient high performance liquid chromatography and spiking of lupeol with the fraction revealed
th
e presence of 5.84 mg/L lupeol in F6. Infrared spectra of the fractions revealed the presence of
C-C, OH, aromatic C=C and C=O groups.
Conclusions: The identified lupeol in F. pseudopalma may be responsible for the exhibited
antioxidant property of the plant. Furthermore, knowing the antioxidant capability of the plant, F.
pseudopalma can be developed into products which can help prevent the occurrence of oxidative
stress related diseases.