EVALUATION OF POLYGONUM GLABRUM WILLD. LEAF EXTRACTS FOR ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTY

Polygonum glabrum, commonly called dense flower knotweed, is a perennial plant found in most parts of India. The leaves of plants Polygonum glabrum Willd. Belonging to the family, Polygonaceae are a rich source of flavonoids and tannins but not yet scientifically investigated for antioxidant activity. The present study aimed to offer a novel scientific background to the leaves of Polygonum glabrum by evaluating it for antioxidant activity using in-vitro and in-vivo methods. The ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts of Polygonum glabrum Willd. leaves showed significant antioxidant activity by using in-vitro models, which may be due to the presence of phytoconstituents such as polyphenol, tannins and flavonoids. Based on the in-vitro results, potent extracts were further evaluated for antioxidant studies by using in-vivo models. Acute toxicity studies were carried out as per OECD guidelines, and the doses were fixed at 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. The ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts at the dose of 400 mg/kg showed the degree of protection by measuring antioxidant enzymes CAT, SOD, non-enzymatic antioxidant GSH and level of lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that Polygonum glabrum Willd. has a  potent antioxidant activity and could be further explored to isolate a novel natural antioxidant molecule.