Evaluation of total phenolic content and free radical scavenging activity of Boerhavia erecta

IntroductionOxidative stress induced by oxygen radicals is believed to be a primary factor in various degenerative diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and gastric ulcer. Antioxidants protect other molecules from oxidation when they are exposed to free radicals and reactive oxygen species, which have been implicated in the etiology of many diseases and in food deterioration and spoilage.AimsThe present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of the ethanolic extract of Boerhavia erecta.MethodsIn vitro methods of assessment were used to determine the scavenging activity of the extract on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl, superoxide scavenging, reducing power, nitric oxide scavenging, 2,2′azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate), hydroxyl radical, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and chelating ability of ethanolic extract of B. erecta.ResultsThe antioxidant activity of B. erecta ethanolic extract is comparable to a certain extent with that of butylated hydroxytoluene, mannitol, EDTA, and ascorbic acid.ConclusionThe in vitro antioxidant assays reveal potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of the leaves of B. erecta.