Abstract

IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIALS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE L.

G. Shobana*, K. Keerthana and Dr. N. Agnel Arul John, A. Edwina Sherley Felicita

ABSTRACT

Background: Antioxidants are micronutrients that have gained importance in recent years due to their ability to neutralize free radicals or their actions. Free radicals or ROS formed in the body as a result of biological oxidation. Over production of free radicals contributes to oxidative stress associated with various degenerative diseases. Objective: The study has been undertaken to evaluate the In vitro antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of Anacardium occidentale L. Methods: The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis was carried out to find the presence of various secondary metabolites. In vitro antioxidant activity of aqueous extract Anacardium occidentale L. was performed by DPPH scavenging assay, Reducing power assay, Superoxide radical scavenging assay, Hydrogen peroxide assay and nitric oxide assay. All the antioxidant activities were compared with standard ascorbic acid. Results: Qualitative Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, coumarin, lignin and phenol. The plant contains moderate amount of carbohydrates, proteins, free amio acids, phenol and ascorbic acid. In in vitro antioxidant assay revealed that the plant has significant antioxidant property against DPPH, reducing power, super oxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide assays. Conclusion: The results concludes that Anacardium occidentale L. is a potential source of antioxidants and thus prevents many free radical mediated diseases.

Keywords: Anacardium occidentale L., Alkaloid, Flavonoid, free radiclas, antioxidant.