RESUMO
Objective: To evaluate the total phenolic, flavonoid contents and in vitro antioxidant activity of methanol extract of Dioscorea esculenta (Lour). Burkill. Methods: Total phenolic content was estimated using the Folin Ciocalteu method. The flavonoid content was determined using aluminium chloride. In vitro antioxidant activities and reducing power capacity were determined using standard methods. Results: Total phenolic content in methanol extract of Dioscorea esculenta was found to be 0.79g/100g and flavonoids content was found to be 0.26 g/100g. The extract was screened for its potential antioxidant activities using tests such as DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical cation scavenging activity and reducing power activity. Conclusions: The present studies confirm the methanol extracts have potential in vitro antioxidant activity. The phytochemical phenols and flavonoids could be the reason for its antioxidant activity.