Studies on the antioxidant activity of Indigofera hochstetteri Baker

Legumes are the second source of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals after corn. Legumes produce primary and secondary metabolites and other phytochemicals such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides and industrial products. They are also an excellent source of nuetraceutical constituents such as fibre, protease inhibitors, phytic acid and polyphenols like flavonoids, isoflavones, lignans and tannins. These compounds have antioxidant, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic activities and also free radical scavenging properties. A systematic search for useful bioactivities from medicinal plants possessing antioxidant potential is now considered to be a rational approach in pharmaceuticals and drug research. The phytochemical analysis of the medicinal plants are important and have commercial interest both in research institutes and pharmaceutical companies for the manufacturing of new drugs for the treatment of various diseases. This work therefore explores the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity of the legume Indigofera hochstetteri.