Studies on total antioxidant activity of the extract of Nyctasnthes arbortristis flower extract by DPPH radical-scavenging activity and superoxide anion scavenging activity assay

Abstract

The fee radicals (oxidants) are species with very short half-life, high reactivity and damaging activity towards macromolecules like proteins, DNA and lipids. In general, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) circulating in the body tend to react with the electron of other molecules in the body and these also effect various enzyme systems and cause damage which may further contribute to conditions such as cancer, ischemia, aging, adult respiratory distress syndromes, rheumatoid arthritis etc. Some plants are considered as important source of nutrition and as a result of that they are recommended for their therapeutic values. Treatment with medicinal plants is considered very safe as there is no or minimal side effects. These remedies are in synchronization with nature, which is the biggest advantage. The medicinal value of the chosen plant Nyctanthes arbortristis flower extract has not been extensively worked out. Therefore, the present study was to investigate the in vitro antioxidants activity of Nyctanthes arbortristis flower extract. The ethanolic extract was screened for in vitro antioxidant activity by oxygen radical scavenging such as DPPH, total antioxidant assay and superoxide metal chelation activity at different concentrations. Throughout the studies flower extract showed marked antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity was found to be concentration dependent and may be attributed to the presence of bioflavonoids content in the flowers of Nyctanthes arbortristis.