Abstract

Extract from the leaves of Tylophora asthmatica were investigated for antioxidant activity. The methanolic extract of T. asthmatica had a 2, 2 diphenyl 1-1-picryl hydiazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity of 84.6% at 250 μg/ml and a reductive potential of 0.77% at 100 μg/ml. These values were comparable with those of Gallic acid, 91.4% at 250 μg/ml and ascorbic acid, 0.79% at 60 μg/ml as standards for DPPH scavenging activity and reductive potential, respectively. These findings suggest that the rich phytochemical content of T. asthmatica and its good antioxidant activity may be responsible for its popular and wide traditional use. The experiment was carried out with the leaves of the selected medicinal plants. The results are discussed with the available literature.

Key words: Tylophora asthmatica, antioxidant activity, reductive potential, 2, 2 diphenyl 1-1-picryl hydiazyl (DPPH).