In vitro Antioxidant Potential of Abrus precatorius L. and Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anderson

Abstract

Antioxidant substances are an important part of human life as it plays a key role in nutraceuticals and also help to defend free radicals present in our body. The present study highlights the need to find potent natural antioxidants from medicinal plants. Different extracts of Abrus precatorius L. (Fabaceae) and Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) were successively prepared using petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, and ethanol. It was evaluated for antioxidant activities using various assays. Maximum extractable total phenolics and flavonoids were recorded in varied extracts of A. precatorius and A. gangetica. The extracts also showed efficient phosphomolybdenum reduction, reducing power activity, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging properties. It is very clear from the results that the studied plants A. precatorius and A. gangetica have remarkable medicinal uses with extraordinary potential for pharmaceuticals. Further detailed studies will pave the way to promote natural drugs for health benefits.