Demonstration of the potential of <i style="">Hibiscus cannabinus </i>Linn. flowers to manage oxidative stress, bone related disorders and free-radical induced DNA damage

322-327Hibiscus cannabinus Linn. flowers (HCF) were investigated for free-radical scavenging properties in vitro, capacity to protect DNA from oxidative damage and inhibiting gelatinolytic activity of collagenase type I and II. For this purpose, flowers extracted with methanol and water and subjected to DPPH free radical scavenging assay, calculation of IC 50 values, using vitamin C as a standard, reducing power assay, DNA damage protection assay and inhibition of gelatinolytic activity of collagenase type I and II. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity ranged from 440 to 700g/ml for different extracts vis-à-vis 39 g/ml for standard vitamin C. A similar trend was visible in reducing power activity. Both activities reflected a strong anti-oxidant potential of HCF and in turn against stress. Further, both extracts at 100 g/ml (i) were efficient in protecting DNA against oxidative damage and (ii) exhibited inhibition of gelatinolytic activity of collagenase type I up to 87% and type II up to 65%. Cumulatively, the present data on H. cannabinus flower extracts indicated for the first time that they can be used as a (i) potent functional food to control oxidative stress, (ii) free radical-induced DNA damage and (iii) bone related disorders like osteoarthritis