Pharmacognostical Characterization, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content, And Antioxidant Activity of Celery Leaf and Raspberry Fruit Extracts

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from celery leaves and raspberry fruits at different stages of ripeness using various solvents. Standard phytochemical screening revealed the presence of multiple bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, phytosterols, saponins, and glycosides. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were significantly influenced by both the solvent used and the maturity of the fruit. Hydroalcoholic extracts consistently exhibited the highest TPC and TFC values, with unripe raspberry fruit extract showing the greatest concentrations (TPC: 102.3 mg/g; TFC: 95.14 mg/g). Antioxidant activity, assessed through DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, superoxide, and metal chelating assays, revealed that celery leaf extract (CLE) demonstrated superior activity in most assays, particularly ABTS and hydroxyl radical scavenging. RUFE showed strong DPPH activity but lower performance in other assays, while RRFE had comparatively weaker antioxidant potential. The IC₅₀ values confirmed these findings, with CLE and RUFE showing better efficacy than RRFE. Although quercetin and ascorbic acid exhibited superior antioxidant effects, the extracts demonstrated promising natural antioxidant properties. These findings support the potential application of these plant extracts in nutraceutical and therapeutic formulations targeting oxidative stress-related disorders.