Comparative Study on Antioxidant Activity of Crude and Alkaloid Extracts of Hybanthus enneaspermusLinn) F. Mull

AbstractFree radical generation is directly associated with oxidation in foods and biological systems. Antioxidants are vital substances which possess the ability to protect the body from damage caused by free radical induced oxidative stress. The aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare the in vitroantioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity of crude and alkaloid extracts of Hybanthus enneaspermus. Antioxidants such as catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, vitamin C, vitamin E and lipid peroxidation assays were analyzed in both the extracts. The content of total tannins, phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and alkaloids were estimated and radical scavenging activity was assayed using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH), 2,2’ azinobis-3 ethylbenzothiozoline-6 sulfonic acid (ABTS+) cation decolourization test, superoxide radical, nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical (OH.), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2 2 reducing power methods. The results confirm that the crude and alkaloid extracts of H. enneaspermusrevealed high level of secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities. H. enneaspermushas significant antioxidant properties and could serve as a good source of natural antioxidant, which may be helpful in preventing the distructive process of various oxidative stress.