Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack, A Traditional Medicinal Plant in Malaysia

Abstract

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia Jack, family, Simaroubaceae) is traditionally used in Malaysia as health supplement for hypertension, diarrhea, aches, persistent fever, malaria, sexual insufficiency, dysentery, and glandular swelling. In this study, hydroalcoholic extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack was studied for its antioxidant and in-vitro anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant activity (free radical scavenging) was evaluated to determine the total antioxidant capacity of extract Eurycoma longifolia Jack. The DPPH assay showed significant antioxidant activity in all concentrations (10, 25, 50,100 and 250 µg/ml). The antioxidant property of the extract was compared with the values of ascorbic acid, a standard antioxidant. Human RBC (HRBC) stbilization method was utilized to evaluate the in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the extract. The extract showed a significant anti-inflammtory activity in all the concentrations tested (25, 50,100, 250, 500 and 1000 µg/ml) and the activity was increased in a concentration dependent manner.