Antioxidant Activity of Strobilanthes asperrimus in Albino Rats

The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of Strobilanthes asperrimus leaves against carbon tetracholoride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxic model. The plant materials were dried in shade, powdered with help of hand grinder and extracted with ethanol. Preliminary phytochemical test shows the presence of Alkaloids, Carbohydrates, Tannins, Amino acids and Flavanoids. The ethnolic extract of Strobilanthes asperrimus (EESA) showed a significant dose dependent (100 mg and 200 mg/kg p.o.) antioxidant activity. The degree of antioxidant activity was measured by using serum biochemical parameters like hepatic antioxidant enzymes like SOD, CAT, GPX and MDA. EESA at a dose level of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg produce significant (P<0.001) antioxidant activity by decreasing the level Malondialdehyde, while it significantly increased the levels of Glutathione peroxidise (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase activity (CAT) in a dose dependent manner. The effect of EESA was comparable to that of standard drug Silymarin.