Phytochemical analysis and biological activities of Diospyros lotus L. fruit extracts

Abstract

Diospyros lotus L. (Locally known as Amlok) is a common tree growing in the forests of Northern part of Pakistan. This fruit is small in size having blackish color and astringent taste. Qualitatively and quantitatively analysis of fruit was carried out for secondary metabolites like flavonoids, quercitin, alkaloids, saponins, tannins and total phenols by using standard methods. It was observed that D lotus contained higher amount of tannins as compared to flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids and other metabolites. The DPPH scavenging and Reducing power assays revealed that D. lotus fruit contained significant amount of antioxidants that might be helpful for reducing the heart diseases and carcinogenic infections in human population. Furthermore, antibacterial activities of fruits extracts against both Gram Positive and Gram Negative bacteria revealed that fruits of D. lotus have potential to provide defensive mechanism against broad spectrum infections causes by pathogenic microorganisms