Oxidative DNA damage protective activity and antioxidant potential of Ashtvarga species growing in the Indian Himalayan Region

Ashtvarga is a popular Ayurvedic group comprises of eight herbs used in various rejuvenating Ayurvedic tonics like Chyvanprash. Considering the importance of Ashtvarga group in various preparations, the phenolic composition, antioxidant and antimutagenic activities of all eight species extracts were evaluated. Total phenolic content measured by Folin- Ciocalteu assay of Ashtvarga species showed the highest value in Polygonatum cirrhifolium and minimum was recorded in Roscoea procera. However, R. procera showed significantly higher tannin and flavonoid content as compared to other Ashtvarga species. Total fifteen phenolic compounds were quantified using HPLC analysis, and maximum 11 phenolic compounds were detected in Malaxis acuminata extract. Antioxidant activities using in vitro assay like 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging (DPPH), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Superoxide scavenging activity were also determined. The results showed all the Ashtvarga plants possess strong ability to protect DNA and therefore, these species could be a potential source of natural antioxidant.