Evaluation of antioxidant activity of Impatiens walleriana & Sauropus androgynus extracts – A combination study

Abstract

“Oxidative stress” underlies a number of ailments & lipid peroxidation (LPO) also has economic implications/safety concerns as it contributes to spoilage of food products/cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Antioxidants seem to hold solutions for such problems. Culinary herbs based antioxidants are in demand be it food, cosmetic or pharma industry. In pursuit of finding such safe antioxidants present evaluation employing a combined hydroalcoholic extract of two nutritious plants namely Sauropus androgynus & Impatiens walleriana is carried out using three in-vitro assays. FRAP assay results seem promising with the extract under investigation showing ferric reducing ability between 73-88% compared to standard showing 59-84%. Antioxidant effect in nitric oxide scavenging assay is averaged at 20% in comparison to the standard for which it is 70%. Results of hydroxyl radical scavenging assay range between 31-72% compared to standard wherein effect is between 79-88%. Ascorbic acid has been used as standard in the assays. Findings from all the three invitro assays reveal antioxidant potential of the combined extract. Further additional studies to determine mechanisms underlying antioxidant activity along with finding active principles contributing to the same are recommended.