Abstract

Aim: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals are involved in the oxidative damages resulting in pathogenesis of the various disorders and diseases. Thus, the scavenging activity of methanolic extract of Adenanthera pavonina Linn leaves (MEAP) was evaluated to find the ability to counteract oxidative damages by ROS. Materials and methods: Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by colorimetric principle using gallic acid and rutin calibration curves respectively. Scavenging activity was evaluated by DPPH free radical and nitric oxide anion scavenging assays. Total reducing power was also evaluated. Results: Phytochemical analysis of MEAP showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, sterols, proteins and resins. Total ash, acid insoluble and water soluble ash values were found to be 8.86, 2.24 and 7.18% w/w respectively. Loss on drying was found to be 1.53% w/w. Extractive value was found to be 11.2% w/w. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in MEAP were found to be 55.43±1.07 µg/ml equivalent to gallic acid and 52.87±1.8 µg/ml equivalent to rutin. The IC50 values for the scavenging of DPPH free radical and nitric oxide anion were found to be 425 µg/ml and 352 μg/ml as compared to that of standard ascorbic acid 320 μg/ml and 280 μg/ml respectively. Total reducing power was found to be increasing with increasing doses of extract. Conclusion: Methanolic extract of Adenanthera pavonina Linn leaves is a potent scavenger of ROS and can counteract oxidative damages by ROS. Thus, MEAP can be employed as an anti-oxidant drug to counteract and treat oxidative damages by ROS.

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