Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Some Medicinal plants and their Combination

Abstract

Introduction: Oxidative Stress leads to several complications within the human body. It is the reason behind the generation of several diseases. Free radicals if generated in excess amount can damage the body to a great extent. Finding newer and potent medicinal plants that can fight oxidative stress can be useful in combating the harmful effects of free radicals. Methods: In the current study ethanolic extract of Ocimum kilimandscharicum, Thymus serpyllum, Spilanthes acmella and their combination in equal ratio were used for their ability to counter oxidative stress. The plants were collected from the district of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand and extracted by soxhlet’s apparataus using absolute ethanol (99.9%). The extracts were then dried and used for the study. Result: It was seen that highest absorbance was shown by ascorbic acid at the lowest as well as the highest concentration in the reducing power assay. Also, the combination of the extracts showed the highest absorbance among all the extracts at both the lowest and highest concentration. Conclusion: A higher absorbance indicates a better antioxidant potential. The best effect was shown by the combined extract among all the extracts. Key words: Oxidative stress, Reducing power, Flavonoids, Phenols