Characterization of Leucas aspera and evaluation of antioxidant activities before and after being subjected to digestion enzymes

ABSTRACT

Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link is an underutilized leafy vegetable which has not been adequately characterized for its nutraceutical and antioxidant properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to profile the extract. The tissue had free radical scavenging activity and contained the bioactive compounds rutin, swietenine, 2-isoprenylemodin and 6-methoxyflavone that contribute to overall antioxidative potency. Because of in vitro digestion, there was a decrease in phenols and flavonoids by 14.73% and 17.76%, respectively, with no cumulative decrease in free radical scavenging activity after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The plant could be an important source of beneficial bioactive compounds with antioxidative activities that are retained after in vitro digestion.

KEYWORDS:

• Leucas aspera
• antioxidant
• bio-accessibility
• in vitro digestion
• nutraceutical

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the Sophisticated Analytical Instruments Facility of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, and IIT Bombay, for GC/MS and LC/MS analysis of plant extracts, respectively. The authors acknowledge the University of Gour Banga for all facilities and chemicals provided for this work.