Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential of Alternanthera sessilis (L.) DC

Context: Cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in several diseases, and hence natural antioxidants have significant importance in human health. Aims: Free radical scavenging activity of 30% ethanolic extract of the whole plant of Alternanthera sessilis (HAAS) was evaluated in various in vitro systems. Methods and Material: The 30% ethanolic extract were studied for in vitro total antioxidant activity along with phenolic and flavonoid contents and reducing power. Scavenging ability of the extracts for radicals like hydroxyl, superoxide and hydrogen peroxide was checked to determine their potential. Statistical Analysis: Results were analyzed statistically using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and were expressed as mean ± SE of three observations. Values of P < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: In all the studies, a significant correlation was found between concentrations of the extract and percentage inhibition of free radicals. The extract was found to contain 56.78 ± 1.01 μg/mg of total polyphenolics expressed as GAE (micrograms per milligram of GAE). Conclusion: The results of the study suggested that the 30% ethanolic extract of the whole plant of Alternanthera sessilis possessed a significant scavenging effect with increasing concentrations probably due to its antioxidant potential and could serve as a potential source of natural antioxidants effective in treatment against free radical mediated diseases.