IN-VITRO ANTIOXIDANT STUDIES AND TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ALTERNANTHERA SESSILIS LINN. AERIAL PARTS

Free radicals are implicated for many diseases including diabetes mellitus, arthritis, cancer, ageing etc. In the treatment of these diseases, antioxidant therapy has gained utmost importance. Ethanolic extract of Alternanthera sessilis (EEAS) was studied for its in vitro antioxidant activity using different models viz. Free radical scavenging activity assay (DPPH method), Reducing power assay, Nitric oxide scavenging activity, Superoxide radical scavenging activity and Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Total phenolic content was determined by using Pyrocatechol as a standard. The results were analyzed statistically by the regression method. Its antioxidant activity was estimated by IC50 value and the values are 74.05 +/- 1.44 mu g/ml (Superoxide radical scavenging), 31.50 +/- 1.04 mu g/ml (Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity), 28.75 +/- 0.07 mu g/ml (Nitric oxide scavenging) and 86.83 +/- 1.09 mu g/ml (DPPH radical scavenging). In all the testing, a significant correlation existed between concentrations of the extract and percentage inhibition of free radicals. These results clearly indicate that Alternanthera sessilis is effective against free radical mediated disease.