PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF CHLOROFORM EXTRACT OF STEREOSPERMUM CHELONOIDES LEAVES

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of various degenerative diseases like cancer, inflammation etc. Thus, the study of antioxidant activity of natural molecules has remained a fertile ground for the researchers. In continuation of that effort, the present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential of chloroform extract of Stereospermum chelonoides leaves (SCLC). Preliminary phytochemical analysis followed by total phenol and total flavonoid determination assays were carried out. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay, total antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power and cupric reducing antioxidant assays. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay and MTT based cytotoxicity assay was also conducted. Antibacterial assay was carried out using disc diffusion method on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Croton oil and xylene induced ear oedema models were used to determine anti-inflammatory activity. Phytochemical screening ensured the presence of various secondary metabolites notably polyphenols (38.04 ± 0.77 mg/g, GAE) and flavonoids (130 ± 7.86, mg/g, QE) which explained its dose dependent antioxidant activities. Moreover, cupric ion reducing capacity of SCLC was as similar as standard ascorbic acid indicating strong metal chelating activity. In cytotoxicity assay, SCLC produced significant cell killing effect on hela cells in high doses. Significant anti-inflammatory activity was observed in croton oil induced ear edema. Antioxidant activity of SCLC is suggestive of its ability to halt free radical generation process and its subsequent potential in the physiologic conditions adversely affected by radical generations.