In the current investigation, total phenols and flavonoids contents of Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb. bulbs, leaves, and flowers were quantified by Folin-Ciocalteu's and borohydride/chloroquinone methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity of the plant extracts was evaluated by means of peroxide scavenging capacity assay and by cell antioxidation method. Antioxidant activity of E. bulbosa bulbs, leaves, and flowers was correlated with total phenols and flavonoids. The total phenols and flavonoids of the bulbs of E. bulbosa were higher than leaves and flower and its antioxidant activity was also stronger than leaves and flowers of E. bulbosa. The higher content of flavonoids or total phenols, the stronger the antioxidant capacity in vitro. The antioxidant activity of E. bulbosa extract showed it's certain nutritional value and therefore had the potential as a source of natural antioxidants.
Keywords: E. bulbosa; antioxidant activity; total flavonoids; total phenols.