The total phenolics content (TPC) was determined using the Folin– Ciocalteu reagent as followed by Abu Bakar et al. (2009). Briefly, 300 lL of extract was mixed with 2.25 mL of Folin–Ciocalteu (previously diluted 10-fold with distilled water) and allowed to stand at room temperature for 5 min; 2.25 mL of sodium carbonate (60 g/L) solution was added to the mixture. After 90 min at room temperature, absorbance was measured at 725 nm using a spectrophotometer. Results were expressed as mg gallic acid equivalents in 1 g of dried sample (mg GAE/g).