Abstract

EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF SOLVENT EXTRACTS OF FEMALE CONES AND LEAVES OF CYCAS REVOLUTA

Rakhi Sharma* and Abhishek Mathur

ABSTRACT

In the ethno-pharmacological approach, local knowledge about the potential uses of the plants is very useful as compared to the random approach where indigenous knowledge is not taken into consideration. Phytochemicals produced in plants are secondary compounds responsible metabolic activities and defense in purpose. Phytochemicals are produced by specific biochemical pathways, which occur inside the plant cells. The gymnosperm, Cycas revoluta is a natural companion for palms, working well as und er planting or in the foreground. In the present investigation, different solvent extracts viz. chloroformic and hydro-alcoholic extracts of Cycas female cone and leaves were prepared and in vitro antioxidant activity was determined as per the conventiona l procedures. The results showed that both the leaves and female cones of Cycas revoluta are potent antioxidant agents. It was observed that chloroformic extracts of female cones and leaves were more potent than hydro alcoholic extracts. The results showed that chloroformic extracts of the cones was having potent antioxidant activity followed by the chloroformic extracts of leaves.

Keywords: Gymnosperm, Cycas revoluta, antioxidant activity, solvent extracts, phytochemicals.