Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of Olax scandens: a wild vegetable

Abstract

Olax scandens Roxb (Aratfari) (Family:Olaceae) is used as a traditional medicine in treating various diseases due to its antiinflammatory, antidiabetic and anticancer properties. In our study, aqueous and methanolic extract of leaves were subjected for antioxidant activity by 1- diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay. Total phenol and total flavonoid content were estimated. It was observed that free radicals were scavenged by the extract in a dose dependent manner. The content of total phenolic (expressed as mg of gallic acid equivalents/gm. extract) and total flavonoids (expressed as mg of quercetin equivalent/gm extract) were determined along with antioxidant enzymes. The aqueous extract of Olax scandens exhibited potent DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of in methanol 201.47 μg/mL and aqueous 193.74 μg/mL and, respectively. Based on the results it can be concluded that aqueous extract of Olax scandens may have potential antioxidant effects against several oxidants generated in the body.