Antioxidants and free radicals scavenging activity of Medicinal Plants

Abstract

Background: The medicinal plants have bioactive compounds which provide them unique properties against different diseases. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant and free radicals scavenging activities of medicinal plants such as Withania coagulans, Cestrum nocturnum, Cymbopogon citratus and Catharanthus roseus. Materials and methods: The antioxidant and free radicals scavenging property was evaluated using the 2, 2 Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging, hydroxyl radicals scavenging, superoxide scavenging and reducing power assay methods. Moreover, the phytochemical analysis of each plants extract was determined using standard methods. Results: The results of phytochemical analysis confirmed the proteins, phenols/tannins and flavonoids were presents in each plants extract. Moreover, saponins present in the Withania coagulans and Cymbopogon citratus extract while alkaloids present in the Cymbopogon citratus and Catharanthus roseus extract. The 2, 2 Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl results confirmed the each extract have the antioxidant property. The hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity confirmed the each extract has strong hydrogen peroxides scavenging activity. The Hydroxyl radicals scavenging activity confirmed the each extracts have strong hydroxyl radicals scavenging activity. The superoxide scavenging methods confirmed the each plant extract have strong superoxide scavenging activity. The reducing power assay results confirmed the each plant extracts has strong reducing activity. Conclusions: The selected plant extract have strong antioxidant and free radicals scavenging properties. These property of plants extract due to the presence of bioactive compounds