Abstract
Objective: The main objective of the present study was to undergo an investigation on free radical scavenging activity of the roots of Euphorbia hirta Linn. and was compared with a standard antioxidant compound like ascorbic acid.
 Methods: Euphorbia hirta roots extract was tested for total flavonoid content, total phenolic content, and in vitro antioxidant activity by 1, 1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay (DPPH) assay, superoxide anion radical scavenging assay, and nitric oxide scavenging assay.
 Results: The alcoholic roots extract of E. hirta was screened for free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities using three different methods. It was found that percentage inhibition of the extract was concentration-dependent. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were found to be 265.72±1.3 and 45.67±1.14, respectively. The alcoholic extract of E. hirta produced a dose-dependent inhibition of superoxide radicals ranging from 40.14±0.14 to 70.93±0.10. The mean IC50 values for DPPH radical by root extract of E. hirta and ascorbic acid were found to be 18.12 μg/ml and 13.17 μg/ ml, respectively. The alcoholic extract of E. hirta produced dose-dependent inhibition of nitric oxide radicals scavenging effect ranging from 17.05±0.18 to 51.08±0.30. The alcoholic extract of E. hirta and ascorbic acid shows mean IC50 values for superoxide radical as 23.64 μg/ml and 14.36 μg/ml, respectively.
 Conclusions: The present study showed that E. hirta possesses a considerable amount of both phenolic and flavonoid content. The alcoholic root extract also shows good antioxidant potential. The results of the present study also encourage for further in vivo studies and isolation and characterization of active compounds.
Highlights
Euphorbia hirta belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae known as Dudhi
The present study evaluates total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of alcoholic extract of roots of E. hirta
Determination of total phenol and total flavonoid content Phenolic and flavonoid compounds are widely distributed in plants, where they act as antioxidants and free radical scavenging agents
Summary
Euphorbia hirta belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae known as Dudhi. It is commonly found in open grassland areas and along the roadsides [1]. The roots are fibrous, rough, and dark brown in color [2,3] It is useful for the treatment of bronchial and respiratory diseases, kidney stone, gastrointestinal disorders, and diabetes [4]. The present study has been designed to investigate the free radical scavenging activity of roots extract of E. hirta. Many synthetic antioxidant compounds such as butylated hydroxyl O-toluene and butylated hydroxyl anisole show many side effects. Herbal products contain a variety of natural chemical constituents which are known as “phytochemicals” such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and tannins which are reported to act as radical scavengers [10]. The present study evaluates total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of alcoholic extract of roots of E. hirta
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
