~ 179 ~ Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2015; 3(6): 179-182 E-ISSN: 2278-4136 P-ISSN: 2349-8234 JPP 2015; 3(6): 179-182 Received: 01-01-2015 Accepted: 12-02-2015 Jawad Anwar Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan. Hamid Ullah Shah Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan. Rizwan Ali Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan. Zafar Iqbal Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan. Shujaul Mulk Khan Department of Botany, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan. Inayat Ur Rahman Department of Botany, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan. Sohail khan Department of Microbiology, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan. Sabith Rehman Department of Botany, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan. Salma Shad Department of Chemistry, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan. Sohail Department of Botany, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan. Correspondence: Jawad Anwar Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan. Antioxidant activity and phytochemical screening of stem bark extracts of Grewia optiva Drummond ex Burret Jawad Anwar, Hamid Ullah Shah, Rizwan Ali, Zafar Iqbal, Shujaul Mulk Khan, Inayat Ur Rahman, Sohail khan, Sabith Rehman, Salma Shad, Sohail Abstract Medicinal plants are traditionally used in Pakistan and in other countries for treatment of various diseases. Grewia optiva is a medicinal plant used in northern Pakistan for various diseases. This plant was assessed for various parameters like total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) using ABTS radical scavenging assays. Phytochemical tests are also included in the study to identify various classes of phytochemicals. Phytochemical tests resulted in the presence of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins and flavonoid. TPC analysis showed phenolic content in extract and its fractions with maximum value in aqueous fractions 167.3 mg/g followed by n-butanol 132.5 mg/g while the lowest value was recorded in chloroform fraction 89.9 mg/g respectively with comparing to Gallic acid equivalent. Results of TFC quantitative estimation exhibited presence of flavonoids in aqueous fraction with maximum value of 84.2 mg/g followed by crude extract 81.9 mg/g while the lowest value was recorded chloroform fraction 42.6 mg/g respectively as compare to Quercetin equivalent. TAC revealed promising antioxidant potential of the crude extract and its fractions with high activity in again aqueous fraction 1.55 mg/g followed by crude extract 1.52 mg/g while the lowest value was recorded in chloroform fraction 0.82 mg/g respectively by comparing to the standard trolox. From the result is concluded that plant have various phytochemical compound and further study should be made to isolate the compounds and check for different activity. Keywords: Grewia optiva, Stem, Antioxidant activity (DPPH), Phytochemistry. 1. Introduction The genus Grewia is a member of family Tiliaceae that includes round about 150 species which are mostly sub scattered and climbing [1] . Linnaeus identified the said genus with 2 different varieties namely G. occidentalis and G. orientalis. These species are mainly reported from Arab, South Africa, Madagascar, Himalayan region, India, Pakistan, china, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, the pacific islands and northern Australia [2] . Pakistan is known to have the following 10 species: G. micros, G. optiva, G. tenax, G. helicterifolia, G. glabra, G. damian, G. villosa, G. sapida, G. asiatica, G. elastic are found in Pakistan [3] . All above ten species are known for their therapeutic potentials [4] . A Grewia optiva fruit has as an astringent & an anti-inflammatory activity and can reduce fever. Its bark has medicinal activity against diarrhea [5] . Grewia optiva is a medicinal plant having significant potential to be studied for its phytochemical compounds. Due to the medicinal importance of plant Grewia optiva the study was planned to explore its Phytochemistry and antioxidant activity. 2. Material and Methods 2.1 Collection of Plant Material Grewia optiva plant was taken from the northern areas of Pakistan i-e lower Dir during the month of March 2011 which was identified by Dr. Inam Ullah, lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar and Voucher specimen No.246 was placed in the Herbarium Department of Botany, University of Peshawar, Pakistan. 2.2 Extraction through Rotary Evaporator Stem Bark of the selected of the Grewia optiva was washed with running tap water and dried in shade for week. The stem bark (7 kg) of Grewia optiva which was dried was powdered and extracted three times with 80% methanol (3200 ml) at normal temperature and with the help of