Polyphenolics and Antioxidant Activity of Mahonia jaunsarensis Ahrendt: A Narrow Endemic to West Himalaya

Mahonia jaunsarensis ( Family Berberidaceae) is an endemic species of the Himalaya narrowly distributed in Chakrata hills of Uttarakhand. Considering that the species is traditionally used by local inhabitants for various purposes, this study was made to explore its biochemical attributes using diverse solvent systems, i.e., ethanol, methanol and distilled water. Results revealed a varied range of total phenolics (1.00–1.39 mg GAE/g); tannins (1.01–1.11 mg TAE/g); flavonoids (1.07–1.22 mg QE/g); and flavonols (0.71–1.04 mg QE/g) across solvent extractions. Likewise, in vitro antioxidant activity (i.e., ABTS 0.82–1.09; DPPH 0.94–1.16; and FRAP 0.81–1.05 mM AAE/100 g fresh weight) varied. Results are indicative that the species possess higher bioactive attributes and a good source of natural antioxidant. A solvent system with moderate polarity, such as methanol, was found best for harnessing the maximum potential. The study provides baseline information on biochemical attributes of the species, which can, with due R&D interventions, be extended for the industrial applications.