Abstract
<p><em>Ferula assafoetida, Saussurea costus</em> and <em>Peganum harmala</em> are considered an important traditional folk medicines in Oman, extracts of these plants were screened for assessing bioactive phytochemical constituents and their antioxidant property. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were evaluated to explore the reliable and potential sources of novel natural antioxidants. Preliminary phytochemical screening of different plant extracts and phytochemical investigation showed variations in the presence and amount of active ingredients. All the fractions of <em>P.harmala</em>, <em>S.costus and F.assafoetida have </em>flavonoid and phenolic compounds, whereas, the highest amount was found in <em>F.assafoetida which was </em>0.370, 0.053 mg/ml respectively. Under antioxidant study the H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> free radical scavenging potential and Phosphomolybdate assay were studied <em>in vitro</em> for the determination of antioxidant activity. However <em>S. costus</em> extract showed the highest scavenging percentages 89%. In Phosphomolybdate assay <em>Ferula assafoetida </em>has a very good antioxidant potential due to phenolic and flavonoid components.</p>
Highlights
The role of free radicals in many disease conditions has been well established
Preliminary phytochemical screening of F. assafoetida, S. costus, P. harmala revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds like: phenolics, tannins, saponins, coumarins, resin, glycosides, steroids, carboxylic acid, carbohydrate, vitamin C and alkaloids, the results of phytochemical test has been summarized in table 3.1
Phenolic compounds are a class of antioxidant compounds which act as free radical terminators [31]
Summary
Several biochemical reactions in our body generate reactive oxygen species and these are capable of damaging crucial bio-molecules. If they are not effectively scavenged by cellular constituents, they lead to disease conditions [1].The harmful action of free radicals can be blocked by antioxidant substances, which scavenge the free radicals and detoxify the organism. The root of Saussurea costus is anodyne, antibacterial, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, skin, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vermifuge. It is used internally in the treatment of abdominal distension and pain, chest pains due to liver problems
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