Identification and Antioxidant Activity of the Phenolic Compounds of Jatropha cardiophylla (Torr.) Müll. Arg)

Abstract

Mexico is considered one of the countries with the greatest abundance and diversity of Jatropha species.  Jatropha cardiophylla is an endemic plant to the arid areas of northwestern Mexico, with adaptability to high temperatures and low humidity. So far there are no reports on the identification of phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity in the aerial part (leaves-stems) of this plant. For this reason, the aim of the study was to identify the phenolic compounds present in the ethanolic extract of the aerial part (stem-leaf) of J. cardiophylla and evaluate its antioxidant activity. The results showed the identification of phenolic acids such as gallic, protocatechuic and caffeic acids; as well to flavonoids such as epicatechin. In addition, the ethanolic extract of this Jatropha showed antioxidant activity values of 296.26 ± 1.73, 416.63 ± 3.53 and 456.71 ± 2.67 micromols of trolox equivalents per gram of extract (µmolTE/g) by the inhibition methods of the radical DPPH, antioxidant power reducing iron (FRAP) and inhibition of radical ABTS, respectively. According to the results, the potential of the aerial part of J. cardiophylla is established as a source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity.