Document Type : Research Article
Abstract
Medicinal plants and plant derived products have been part of the health care system since ancient human civilization. Traditional medicine uses plant extracts because of it’s antioxidant activity. In contrast usage of synthetic antioxidants are being restricted due to several limitations. Thus, there is always demand for newer and alternative phytomedicines. The aim of the present study is to analyse phytochemical components and to explore the In vitro antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of Enicostemma hyssopifolium (MEEh). The plant extract was prepared by organic solvents. The MEEh was used for GC/MS analysis and for exploring the prospects of Enicostemma hyssopifolium. The radical scavenging bioassays such as DPPH and ABTS were carried out to study in vitro antioxidant potency. The lipid peroxidation assay was performed to analyse their inhibitory effects and ferric reducing power of the extract was also evaluated. GC/MS analysis revealed that the plant is a rich source of phytochemicals such as 3,5-Dimethoxyacetophenone, Ergost-5-en-3-ol which are known to have antioxidant potency. In the antioxidant assay of MEEh the IC 50 was found to be 655.3>306.6 μg/ml. In lipid peroxidation assay, 33.45% of inhibition was found at 1000 μg/ml. The findings of the study revealed the potential of Enicostemma hyssopifolium as a source for natural antioxidants. It revealed that the plant could be a promising alternative agent in scavenging free radicals and may have ameliorative effect in complications associated with free radical damage.
)