PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING POTENTIAL OF MEDICAGO SATIVA LINN SEEDS

Abstract

Phytochemical analysis and in vitro free radical scavenging activities were carried out in various extracts of Medicago sativa raw seeds and germinated seeds. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, phytosterols, tannins, anthraquinone, phenols and proteins. Among the various extracts, phytochemicals were extracted best in ethanol in both raw seeds and germinated seeds of Medicago sativa. Free radical scavenging activities such as, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion radicals and nitric oxide radicals were analyzed in the ethanolic extract of Medicago sativa raw seeds and germinated seeds and were compared with standard antioxidant ascorbic acid. Both the ethanolic extract of Medicago sativa raw seeds and germinated seeds scavenged the free radicals in a concentration dependent manner. The antioxidative role was found to be more pronounced in ethanolic extract of Medicago sativa germinated seeds. The results observed were comparable to standard antioxidant ascorbic acid.