Phytochemical Characterization and Antioxidant Potential of Latex Extracts of Cardiotoxic Plants - <I>Cascabela thevetia</I> (L.) Lippold and <I>Plumeria alba</I> L.

The Apocynaceae family has been noted for their traditional and conventional medicinal properties for ages. The characteristic feature of this family is the milky sap or latex that is present in almost all the species. Many of the plants belonging to this family are a rich source of important drugs and are known for their pharmacological properties. Among the pharmacological properties, the antioxidant property is one that is known to protect against many chronic diseases including heart diseases and cancer. Two plants of the family i.e., Cascabela thevetia (L.) Lippold and Plumeria alba L. have been considered in the present experiment. Globally much research work has been conducted based on the different parts of these plants but, very little data is available on the latex portion. Hence in the present study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the phytochemical constituents present in the plants. Further, the total phenolic and flavonoid content and their correlation with the antioxidant potential have been evaluated.