In vitro antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of Digera muricata leaves

In the present study quantification of total phenolic content and evaluation of in vitro antioxidant capability of five different extracts of Digera muricata was carried out by different assays. DPPH radical, superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and metal chelating activity were calculated and compared with standard antioxidants. Reducing power of the extract was also determined. All extracts showed good free radical scavenging ability which gets enhanced with increasing concentration. Methanolic extract possessed highest scavenging ability and it has maximum phenolic content (41.87 mg/g GAE). Significant correlation was observed between antioxidant assays and total phenolic content indicating that phenolics may be contributing towards antioxidant activity. The results conclude that D. muricata extracts are a potential source of natural antioxidants and could show promise as therapeutic agent in preventing the progression of oxidative stress related degenerative disorders.