Abstract

FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ABILITIES OF LEAF, STEM BARK AND ROOT EXTRACTS OF BAUHINIA TOMENTOSA L. (CAESALPINIACEAE)

K. Thenmozhi*, S. Manian, S. Paulsamy, R. Anusuya devi, B. Veena

ABSTRACT

Crude extracts of leaf, stem bark and root parts of edible and therapeutically important plant, Bauhinia tomentosa L. were analyzed for their antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. The extracts of different fractions were found to have different levels of antioxidant activity in the in vitro systems tested. In the present investigation, the aqueous acetone extracts of leaf showed remarkable antioxidant activity in terms of ferric reducing power, metal chelation, β-carotene-linoleic acid model system and antihemolytic activities. Considering all the activities performed, it is known that the leaf acetone extract of B.tomentosa L. was found to be the most effectivefree radical quencher and a potent source of natural antioxidants, thus justifying their traditional claim.

Keywords: Bauhinia tomentosa, leaf, ABTS?+, DPPH?, radical scavenging activity, lipid peroxidation.