Abstract:
In general, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, polyphenols, anthocyanidins, terpenoids,
carotenoids, etc. are considered phytochemicals. Anthocyanins have lately attracted increased
interest as natural food colorants due to the detrimental effects of synthetic colors and these
possesses antioxidant and radical scavenging properties. Fresh red flowers of Canna indica
which is commonly known as Canna or Indian shot were used for extraction of pigment using
different solvents and durations by ultrasound-assisted extraction method and subjected for
phytochemicals estimation through spectrophotometric analysis. Total phenol content, total
flavonoid content and antioxidant activity were estimated by using Folin-Ciocalteu’s method,
aluminum chloride method and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, respectively.
Among various treatment combinations, 120 min ultrasound in methanol showed highest
amount of total phenol, total flavonoid and antioxidant activity with the values of 236.60 ±
0.21 mg GAE/100 g, 276.77 ± 0.30 mg QE/100 g and 93.73 ± 0.03% RSA respectively. From
the results of the study, Canna indica flower can be regarded as a possible source of food
color and can be used in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals due to presence of phenols,
flavonoids, anthocyanin and its antioxidant activity.