Evaluation of the Total antioxidant capacity of the selected plant extracts using Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) Assay

Abstract

Back ground: Antioxidants are compounds capable to either delay or inhibit the oxidation processes which occur under the influence of atmospheric oxygen or reactive oxygen species. The cumulative and synergistic activities of the bioactive molecules present in plants are responsible for their enhanced antioxidant properties. The present study is aimed at the in vitro evaluation of the Total antioxidant capacity of the plant extracts of Kydia calycina aerial parts, Alysicarpus monilifer whole plant and Aglaia elaeagnoidea stem. Method: The FRAP method relies on the reduction by the antioxidants, of the complex ferric ion-TPTZ (2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)- 1,3,5-triazine). The binding of Fe2+ to the ligand creates a very intense navy blue colour. The absorbance can be measured to test the amount of iron reduced and can be correlated with the amount of antioxidants and their total antioxidant capacity.. Result: From the results it was found that, among the hydro alcoholic extracts evaluated, Kydia calycina plant extract showed highest FRAP value (1.41) and Alysicarpus monilifer showed lowest value (0.88). Conclusion: The total antioxidant potential is a relevant tool for investigating the relationship between plant derived antioxidants and pathologies induced by the oxidative stress. In the present investigation, comparative evaluation of Total antioxidant activity of various extracts of selected medicinal plants in comparison to Ascorbic acid exhibited significant results in vitro antioxidant assays.