Determining the antioxidant activity of certain medicinal plants of Sonitpur, (Assam), India using DPPH assay

Abstract

As part of a screening program for biologically active compounds in medicinal plants of northeast India, twelve plants were investigated for their phytochemical screening and anti-oxidant activity. The antioxidant activity was estimated by using 2, 2- diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assay. Oroxylum indicum, Ipomoea aquatica and Moringa oleifera exhibited strong antioxidant activity as compared to other plants. Oroxylum indicum showed the highest antioxidant activity. The present study indicated that these plants are of therapeutic potential due to their high free-radical scavenging activity. The role of phytochemical constituents of these important medicinal plants in traditional medicine treatment is discussed.