In vitro Antioxidant Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Achyranthes aspera

Varalakshmi

Abstract: In the past few decades, the therapeutic value of plants has attained a significant dimension by exploring a diverse array of secondary metabolites with antioxidant potential. Several synthetic antioxidant agents are commercially available but are being restricted due to their carcinogenicity. Hence, the current study was intended to evaluate the antioxidant potential of phytoconstituents of the herb, Achyranthes aspera. The investigation of phytochemical compounds of the plant material extracted in aqueous and ethanol, revealed the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenolic compounds, saponins, sterols, quinone and so on. Antioxidant activity of the plant extracts was also assessed by DPPH assay, reducing power assay and superoxide radical scavenging assay. They showed commendable antioxidant effect as that of the ascorbic acid. The antioxidant properties were due to the presence of promising phytoconstituents in the plant.

Keywords: Antioxidant, Phytoconstituents