Abstract
Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf and Azadirachta indica L. leaves are traditionally used for the treatment of many diseases. Although they contain antioxidant compounds with free radical scavenging ability, their safety also needs to be considered. This study aims to evaluate and compare the antioxidant capacity and potential toxicity of their leaves' aqueous extracts to determine their preference for therapeutic use. Antioxidant properties were evaluated by determining the DPPH assay, nitric oxide scavenging activity (NSA), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ascorbic acid content (AAC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Their potential cytotoxic effects were evaluated using Artemia salina larvae. Cymbopogon citratus exhibited higher TFC, TAC and antioxidant activities, while A. indica had a higher TPC. LC50 of C. citratus was lower than that observed for A. indica. The results showed that C. citratus possesses higher antioxidant properties and it is less toxic than A. indica.
Publisher
Centre for Evaluation in Education and Science (CEON/CEES)
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