Investigation of Antioxidant Activity of Hibiscus vitifolius Leaves

The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of Hibiscus vitifolius leaves against carbon tetracholoride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxic model. The plant materials were dried in shade, powdered with help of hand grinder and extracted with alcohol. Preliminary phytochemical test shows the presence of Alkaloids, Carbohydrates, Tannins, Amino acids and Flavanoids. The ethanolic extract of (EEHV) showed a significant dose dependent (250 mg and 500 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. EEHV at a dose level of 250mg/kg and 500mg/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 EEHV was comparable to that of standard drug Silymarin.