Isolation and Identification of Phenolic Compounds from Boswellia ovalifoliolata Bal. and Henry and Their Free Radical Scavenger Activity

Boswellia ovalifoliolata Bal. and Henry (Burseraceae) is a potential medicinal tree used traditionally in the treatment of ulcers, inflammation, arthritis, obesity and diabetes. The present study aimed to isolate phenolic compounds from stem bark and gum and test for the ability of the extracted phenols of Boswellia ovalifoliolata. Total 78 phenolic compounds were obtained when the plant materials were processed through 70% acetone and poly vinyl poly pyrrolidone; and characterized by U.V. Visible spectrometry, High performance liquid chromatography/ electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Among the isolated phenols, 28 phenolic compounds have been identified based on their retention time and m/z values. These phenols have showed good antioxidant activity the highest hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) radical scavenging effect of the isolated phenolic compounds has been recorded at 81.8% when compared to the DPPH; and superoxide ion activities with reference to ascorbic acid. This study illustrate the rich array of phenolic compounds and their free radical scavenging activity of stem bark and gum of Boswellia ovalifoliolata could be utility as health beneficial bioactive compounds.