Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. (Family: Nyctaginaceae) is a traditional herb of major medicinal importance which has been proposed for the treatment of jaundice and liver disorders. The root is generally used as an infusion to treat internal inflammation, a laxative, and diuretic. Antioxidants thus play an important role in protecting the human body against damage by reactive oxygen species. The ethanolic extract was prepared and screened for in vitro antioxidant activities using the thiocyanate method. The extract was also assessed for 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, reduction potential and nitric oxide scavenging activity. The percentage (I%) DPPH, NO and thiocyanate inhibition activity of B. diffusa root was 91.25% ± 2.26%, 90.39% ± 1.23%, 88.59 %±1.72 % respectively. The activity was compared with that of standard ascorbic acid and gallic acid. The results of this research showed that the antioxidant played an important role in protecting the human body against free radicals.

Key words: antioxidant, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, thiocyanate, reactive oxygen, phenolic, flavonoid content