Antioxidant Activity of Sida veronicaefolia

The present study was aimed at evaluating time dependent and dose dependent antioxidant effect of extract of Sida veronicaefolia (ESV) and the reductive capabilities of extract compared to ascorbic acid (reference).

Methods: The meristem and leaves were separated, washed with water and dried under shade. The antioxidant properties of the meristem and leaves of Sida veronicaefolia were evaluated by determining their superoxide anion radical scavenging and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities.

Result: The phytochemical screening of plant extract showed positive reaction for psuedotannins, flavonoids, phenolic acid, choline and oxalic acid. The superoxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity of ESV increased significantly with the increase in doses. The scavenging effect of various doses of ESV and reference (ascorbic acid) was found to decrease in the following order Ref (reference)>ESV (0.3mg/kg)> ESV (0.2mg/kg)>ESV (0.1mg/kg). Scavenging of Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) by Sida extract may be attributed to their phenolic content.

Conclusion: The results obtained in the present study indicate that the ethanolic extract (ESV) exhibits free radical scavenging activity. The overall antioxidant activity of ESV might be attributed to its polyphenolic content and other phytochemicals constituents. The findings of the present study suggest that Sida veronicaefolia could be a potential source of natural antioxidant that could have great importance as therapeutic agent in preventing or slowing the progress of aging and age associated oxidative stress related degenerative diseases.