IN-VITRO EVALUATION OF CLITORIA TERNATEA STEM EXTRACT FOR ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTY

Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells against the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species which can neutralise free radicals before they can do harm and may help undo some damage already caused to specific cells. Studies subject that several natural products possessing antidiabetic, antitumor and also flavonoids containing drugs can also act as antioxidants. Ayurveda and various traditional systems of medicines claim that Clitoria ternatea (Fabaceae) has diuretic, antidiabetic, antipyretic and brain tonic activity. Acetone and Methanol extracts of Clitoria ternatea were screened for antioxidant activity. Phytochemical analysis reveals that the stem contains phytosterols, phenolic compound, flavonoids and carbohydrates. Presence of the above constituents was studied by preliminary phytochemical investigations and TLC. Various in vitro models were applied to evaluate anti oxidant property of these extracts. In vitro studies include Free Radical Scavenging Capacity (RSC) on DPPH Radicals, Scavenging capacity for hydroxyl radicals, (by measuring the degradation of 2 – deoxyribose with OH radicals generated in Fenton reaction), scavenging capacity for super oxide radicals (NBT reduction assay) and Antioxidant using β – Carotene linoleate model system (β-CLAMS). Also isolate the phytoconstituents responsible for antioxidant activity by preparative TLC method. The methanolic extract showed the maximum free radical scavenging capacity as compared to acetone extract.