ABSTRACT
The present study aims to evaluate the in vitro free radical scavenging behavour and antioxidant potential from the fruits of four different Indian medicinal plants (Punica granatum, Citrus limetta, Prunus armeniaca and Syzygium cumini). The free radical scavenging behavior and antioxidant potential of the aqueous extract of fruits of four different Indian medicinal plants were evaluated by employing different in vitro assays such as reducing power assay, Superoxide anion scavenging assay, and DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay. The total phenolic and flavanoid contents were assessed by Folin-Ciocalteau and aluminium chloride reagents. From this study, the results indicated that the aqueous extract of Punica granatum showed highest total phenolic content i.e. 46mg/ml and Prunus armeniaca was found to be rich in reducing power at the dose of 16.5mg/ml. Further Syzygium cumini showed fine DPPH radical scavenging activity by 85% inhibition and Citrus limetta showed good scavenging activity for Superoxide anion radical by inhibiting 60%. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the fruits of Punica granatum followed by Syzygium cumini are a potential source of natural antioxidants which may be due to its copious phenolic and flavanoid contents.
