PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ADHATODA VASICA LEAF EXTRACTS AGAINST FREE RADICAL DAMAGE

Background: In the past few decades there has been assumption on the medicinal values and the beneficial potential of medicinal plants in therapeutic components. Cellular metabolism produces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), free radicals’ forms cascade leading to homeostatic disruption of living tissues. The shift in balance between oxidants and antioxidants in favor of oxidants is termed as 'oxidative stress', leading to chronic and degenerative disorders. Objective: The present study was undertaken to analyze the antioxidant’s free radical scavenging effects of Adhatoda vasica leaves and to screen the phytochemicals of the plant. Methodology: The three solvents extract with increasing polarity (Hexane, Ethylacetate and Isopropanol) were prepared by following successive extraction. The scavenging effect of extracts against free radicals like hydrogen peroxide radical and hydroxyl radicals was analysed. The chelating property and phytochemicals of the plant extract was screened. The DNA protective action against oxidative damage was also analysed. Results: Isopropanol and ethyl acetate extracts of the leaves exhibited high levels of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity followed by hexane. All the three extracts showed significant chelating property. The Adhatoda vasica exhibited protective action against oxidative damage caused by the free radicals. The leaves indicated the presences of alkaloids, phenolics and flavonoids. Conclusion: Normally body can fight radicals by means of antioxidant system. The radical scavenging effects of plant plays major role in protecting living organisms against damage. Adhatoda vasica leaf extract revealed the effective protection of DNA against radicals. Keywords: Adhatoda vasica, Radical Scavenging, Phytochemicals, Chelating property, Antioxidants