EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF ARISTOLOCHIA KRYSAGATHRA (ARISTOLOCHIACEAE)- AN IMPORTANT MEDICINAL HERB

Jegadeeswari P, Nishanthini A, Muthukumarasamy S, Mohan VR*

Antioxidant activity of petroleum ether, benzene, ethyl acetate, methanol and ethanol extracts of the whole plant of Aristolochia krysagathra have been tested using various antioxidant model systems viz, DPPH, hydroxyl, superoxide, ABTS and reducing power. Methanol extract of Aristolochia krysagathra is found to possess higher DPPH hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging activity. Methanol and ethanol extracts of Aristolochia krysagathra exhibited highest ABTS radical cation scavenging activity. Methanol extract of whole plant of Aristolochia krysagathra showed the highest reducing ability. This study indicates significant free radical scavenging potential of Aristolochia krysagathra whole plant which can be exploited for the treatment of various free radical mediated ailments.