In-vitro evaluation of antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts of Murraya koenigii, Aegle marmelos and Laurus nobilis

Abstract

This study investigates the antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts of Murraya koenigii (curry leaf), Aegle marmelos (bael) and Laurus nobilis (bay leaf) using in vitro assays. The plants have been traditionally used in Indian medicinal systems for the treatment of various metabolic disorders. Aqueous extracts from the leaves of Murraya koenigii, fruit pulp of Aegle marmelos and leaves of Laurus nobilis were prepared. The total phenolic content and total flavanoid content was also determined in these aqueous extracts. They were tested for their ability to scavange free radicals by DPPH assay, ABTS assay and FRAP assay which are elevated during various metabolic disorders. The results suggest that all the three plants exhibited significant antioxidant activities. But strongest antioxidant properties were exhibited by Murraya koenigii leaf extract followed by the pulp of Aegle marmelos and lowest antioxidant activity was exhibited by Laurus nobilis extract, supporting their use in traditional medicine and potential development into therapeutic agents. So, this research suggested that these medicinal plants possess a significant antioxidant potential and are important source of natural antioxidants and can be effectively used in treating oxidative stress disorders. As a result, the study's significant findings demonstrate that it is a step towards evidence-based phytomedicine.