Abstract

ANALYSIS OF FUNCTIONAL COMPOUNDS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF CENTELLA ASIATICA

J. Sugunabai*, M.Jeyaraj, T. Karpagam

ABSTRACT

The present study was carried out to elucidate free radical scavenging activity of the leaves of Centella asiatica. Centella asiatica (L.) is a perennial herb, widely used in food and beverages and has increased over the years basically due to its beneficial functional properties. Leaves of Centella asiatica were collected from in and around Tiruchirappalli district. Its potential antioxidant activity is related to its bioactive constituents. In the present study the antioxidant capacity, the free radical scavenging activity and functional compounds by FTIR were estimated. The free radical scavenging activity of the leaves of Centella asiatica using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Reducing power Assay Hydrogen peroxide assay, Superoxide radical scavenging potential and Nitric Oxide Inhibition potential were determined. It was found that Centella asiatica exhibited excellent antioxidant capacity and radical scavenging ability which was determined by the IC50 values. The results indicated that Centella asiatica leaves could be an important source of natural radical scavengers. Antioxidants play a role in protecting against certain conditions such as heart disease and stroke. It has been proposed that the mechanisms leading to these diseases may be promoted by free radicals and that antioxidants may suppress the action of these molecules.

Keywords: Centella asiatica, free radical scavenging activity, antioxidant capacity, FTIR.