Effect of brassinosteroids on antioxidants content and radical scavenging activity of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. F & Thoms

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to determine the influence of brassinosteroids on the alkaloid and antioxidant (phenol and flavonoid) contents of the leaves, stems and roots of Tinospora cordifolia as well as the antioxidant potential by means of DPPH, H2O2 and OH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing power. Exogenous application of brassinosteroids considerably increased alkaloid content of various plant parts. The content of phenols and flavonoids were enhanced due to brassinosteroid supplementation. Further, foliar application of the brassinosteroids improved radical scavenging activity compared to untreated control plants. Brassinosteroid feeding also elevated the reducing power capabilities of various plant parts.