In vitro analysis of ethanolic extract of flowers of Calendula officinalis for antioxidant, antimicrobial and uv-h2o2 induced DNA damage protection activity

Abstract

The ethanolic extract of Calendula officinalis was screened for the presence of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV- Hydrogen peroxide induced DNA damage protection activity. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, and polyphenols. These phytochemicals are known to have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which were evident from the results obtained for DPPH and FRAP activity of the extracts. The IC50 for radical scavenging activity was 116µg/mL. There was a statistically significant correlation between the ferric reducing antioxidant potential and free radical scavenging activity (P< 0.05). The extract also showed significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. Further, DNA damage activity of the extract explained the use of marigold in treating DNA damage caused by oxidative stress.