Anti-oxidant Activity of Polyphenols from Phyllanthus debilis Klein ex Willd

Phyllanthus debilis Klein ex Willd. (Euphorbiaceae) usually used as substitute/adulterant to Phyllanthus amarus, a hepatoprotective drug. However, the phytochmeical investigation of P.debilis has not been performed much. In the present study, five compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of aerial parts of P.debilis and they were identified as Gallic acid, Rutin, Corilagin, Furosin and Geraniin. All the constituents have been reported for the first time from this plant. Their structures were elucidated by spectral techniques. Furthermore, the phenolic compounds were tested for antioxidant activity against DPPH (1,1-diphenyl picrylhydrazyl) and by the phosphomolybdenum method. Ascorbic acid is used as the reference standard. From the isolated compounds, the Geraniin had showed highest activity in DPPH assay and Gallic acid in phosphomolybdenum method.