Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Canavalia gladiata

Abstract

The present study deals with the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Canavalia gladiata. Antioxidant activity by nitric oxide and DPPH methods reveals that methanol extract of Canavalia gladiata shows good results when compared to the aqueous extract. It indicates that methanol extract of Canavalia gladiata shows maximum percentage of inhibition when compared to the standard drug (Ascorbic acid).Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that are linked to the development of a number of degenerative diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disesase, cognitive impairment immune dysfunction, cataract and macular degeneration. Antibacterial activity by Agar well diffusion method reveals that methanol extract of Canavalia gladiata shows better results when compared to the aqueous extract. It indicates that methanol extract of Canavalia gladiata shows maximum zone of inhibition when compared to the the standard drug (chloramphenicol).