I think we can't judge the effect of some samples based on the flavonoid and polyphenol quantification, cause here we are talking about the quality of polyphenol and flavo..... I mean if for example the polyphenols present even their quantity is low but present ascorbic acid which is powerful so the effect will be more important.
The differences in DPPH activity, total flavonoid content (TFC), and total phenolic content (TPC) between the leaf and root of Withania somnifera can be attributed to variations in the distribution of bioactive compounds within the plant.
DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) activity is a measure of antioxidant capacity. It indicates the ability of a substance to scavenge free radicals and protect against oxidative stress. While the DPPH activity in the leaf of Withania somnifera is lower than in the root, this could be due to the presence of other antioxidant compounds that are more predominant in the root. Withania somnifera contains a diverse range of bioactive compounds, such as withanolides, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which contribute to its antioxidant properties. The specific composition and concentration of these compounds may vary between different plant parts, resulting in differences in DPPH activity.
On the other hand, the leaf of Withania somnifera tends to have higher TFC and TPC compared to the root. Flavonoids are secondary metabolites commonly found in plants, known for their antioxidant and other health-promoting properties. TFC represents the total concentration of flavonoids in a sample. Phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. TPC measures the total concentration of phenolic compounds in a sample. The higher TFC and TPC in the leaf of Withania somnifera indicate a greater abundance of flavonoids and phenolic compounds in comparison to the root.
The variation in the distribution of these bioactive compounds can be influenced by several factors, including the plant's physiological functions, environmental conditions, and developmental stage. The leaf of Withania somnifera is actively involved in photosynthesis and the production of secondary metabolites, which may explain the higher accumulation of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Meanwhile, the root serves different functions, such as nutrient absorption and storage, which may result in a different biochemical profile.
It is important to note that these variations in bioactive compound distribution between the leaf and root of Withania somnifera are specific to this particular plant species and may not necessarily apply to other plants.