Antioxidant Activity of Gloriosa superba in Albino Rats

The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of Gloriosa superba 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 alcoholic extract of Gloriosa superba (AEGS) 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 LPO. AEGS 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 peroxidase (GPX) , superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase activity (CAT) in a dose dependent manner. The effect of AEGS was comparable to that of standard drug Silymarin.