IN-VITRO FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF AERIAL PARTS OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CORDIA OBLIQUA

Abstract

Antioxidants are an inhibitor of the process of oxidation, even at relatively small concentration and thus have diverse physiological role in the body. Plant sources contain a variety of antioxidants. The ethanolic extract of Cordia obliqua was examined for DPPH ($\alpha $,$\alpha $-diphenyl-$\beta$-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, Superoxide anion, Nitric oxide and Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity with reference standard Rutin, Quercetin and Ascorbate respectively through in vitro models. Ethanolic extract of Cordia obliqua showed significant free radical scavenging activity than that of various standards. The radical scavenging activity was found to be concentration dependent manner. Ethanolic extract of Cordia obliqua showed strong scavenging activity against free radical compared to various standards. These in vitro assays indicate that this plant extract is a better source of natural antioxidant, which might be helpful in preventing the progress of various oxidative stresses.