A study of the in vitro free radical-scavenging property of Hedyotis diffusa using nitric oxide assay

Introduction: Hedyotis diffusa, known as Snake Needle Grass, is a herb used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of multiple ailments, especially cancer. It is found to possess anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties. Aim: To study the free radical scavenging property of the ethanolic extract of Hedyotis diffusa using Nitric oxide assay. Materials and Methods: A dried sample of Hedyotis diffusa was extracted using 85% ethanol. Various concentrations of the extract were mixed with Sodium nitroprusside(SNP) in Phosphate Buffer Saline(PBS). Then Griess reagent was added and the absorbance studied using a spectrophotometer at 546nm. Quercetin solution was used as the standard. Result: The herb exhibited maximal activity of 72.28% at the concentration of 1000 ?g/ml. The IC50 value of Quercetin & Herb was found to be 10.24 g/ml & 104.18 g/ml respectively. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Hedyotis diffusa demonstrated a concentration-dependent free radical scavenging property which can be postulated as the mechanism of action in its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties