In- vitro Antioxidant and Anti-aging activity of a Traditional Ayurvedic Formulation

Abstract

Aging is an inevitable process for all living organisms. When the skin ages, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are generated, which results in an increase in Hyaluronidase, Collagenase and Elastase, further contributing to skin aging. Amalaki Rasayana (AR) which is a traditional Ayurvedic preparation was investigated to assess its anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties. In order to assess radical scavenging activity, plant extracts/formulations were tested for their ability to scavenge DPPH and nitric oxide radicals. The alcoholic extract was prepared with Amalaki Rasayana (AR) and used for phyto-chemical, anti- oxidant and anti- aging studies. The phyto-chemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids and flavonoids. The in- vitro anti- oxidant activity of Amlaki Rasayana (AR) was carried out by DPPH and Nitric oxide radical scavenging assay method. The DPPH assay revealed the concentration dependent scavenging activity with the extract and the results are comparable with standard quercetin. The percentage inhibition was more at 1000 μg/ml of the ethanol extract in Nitric oxide scavenging assay. The in- vitro anti- aging potential was evaluated by anti- collagenase assay method using FALGPA as substrate. The ethanol extract exhibited significant inhibition on collagenase enzyme which was comparable to standard EDTA. The ethanol extract of Amlaki Rasayana (AR) showed significant anti- oxidant and anti- aging activity which may be attributed to phyto- constituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins. This study offers scientific validation of Amlaki Rasayana (AR) for anti- aging activity and can be recommended to be taken internally for aging problems.