摘要：Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, also known as Fagara zanthozyloides, is a medicinally important plant of the Rutaceae family. It contains high concentration of saponins and has several medicinal uses. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro antioxidant properties of saponin-rich extract from leaves of Z. zanthoxyloides. Phytochemical screening of crude methanol extract of leaves of Z. zanthoxyloides revealed presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins. Extraction of saponins from methanolic extract was performed by a standard procedure. The resulting saponin-rich fraction was investigated for in vitro antioxidant activity with free radicals, superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide and ferric ions. The extract exhibited potent and concentration-dependent increase in free radical scavenging activity against free radicals. Scavenging capacity of superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide scavenging of the extract also raised with increased extract concentration. The apparent antioxidant activity of the saponin-rich fraction of leaf extract from Z. zanthoxyloides suggests its potential use in prevention and treatment of diseases.
