In vitro adaptogenic profiling of some tree bark extracts for free radical scavenging activity against oxidative stress

Abstract

Free radicals are generated through various physiological processes in living organisms. Once generated, they can react with other biomolecules and either hinder or deviate normal metabolic activities. The present study was carried to evaluate the efficacy of tree barks of Ailanthus excelsa, Anogeissus latifolia, Diospyros melanoxylon, Gmelina arborea, Holoptelea integrifolia, Oroxylum indicum, Sterculia urens and Tamarindus indica to quench hydroxyl ions, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide. The study reveals comparatively highest absorbing activity by Tamarindus indica followed by Holoptelea integrifolia, Ailanthus excelsa and Gmelina arborea while Anogeissus latifolia, Diospyros melanoxylon and Oroxylum indicum had minimum efficacy to trap anions.