DPPH free radical scavenging activity of some Bangladeshi medicinal plants

Abstract

Hydromethanol extracts of fifteen Bangladeshi medicinal plants, traditionally used in different ailments, were evaluated for antioxidant potential using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl) radical scavenging assay. Among the extractsCocos nucifera, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Punica granatum and Syzygium cumini were found displaying strong (90% or more) DPPH radical scavenging action. Syzygium cumini exhibited the highest radical scavenging, with an IC50value of 4.25 μg/ml compared to the IC50 value of 5.15 μg/ml as shown by the reference antioxidant ascorbic acid, in a dose dependent fashion.   Key words: Antioxidant, medicinal plants, Bangladesh, DPPH free radical.