FREE RADICAL-SCAVENGING POTENTIAL OF DIFFERENT EXTRACTS FROM AZIMA TETRACANTHA LAM.

Abstract

Oxidative stress resulted from free radicals and reactive oxygen species are associated with man y diseases. Worldwide several studies are directed towards finding natural antioxidants of plant origin. Plants containing phenolic compounds have been reported to pos sess strong antioxidant activities . The aim of the present study was to investigate the p hytochemical constituent of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanolic root extracts and in vitro antioxidant activities of A zima tetracantha Lam. The different extract s of A. tetracantha root were studied for antioxidant potential by using different in vitro assays such as inhibition of DPPH, ABTS + , Hydroxyl radical and superoxide anions. The total phenolic contents and ferric reducing antioxidant power of the extracts were also determined by using standard phytochemical reaction methods. Butylated h ydroxyl toluene (BHT), Vitam in C and ascorbic acid were taken as standards. The different extract s of A. tetracantha root showed good dose dependant free radical scavenging activity in all the models. The total phenolic content of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanolic root extracts was found to be 3 .30±0.20, 4.20±0.20, 6.30±0.20 and 8.80±0.20 mg GAE /g respectively . Ferric reducing antioxidant power was also found to be increase d with increase in extracts concentrations. All the results of the in vitro antioxidant assays revealed the free radical scavenging potential of A. tetracantha root and compared with standard antioxi dants. These antioxidant activities may be endorsed to its high free radical scavenging and phenolic contents. Thus, our findin gs provide evidence that A. tetracantha is a potential source of natural antioxidants.