In vitro antioxidant activities of root extract of Asparagus racemosus Linn.

OBJECTIVE: Linn (EEAR). METHODS: evaluation antioxidant property of EEAR was done using various methods like DPPH scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and nitric oxide scavenging activity. HPTLC fingerprint analysis was performed for qualitative determination of possible number of components from the ethanolic extract. Acute toxicity study was performed in Wistar rat and an OECD guideline 423 was followed. RESULTS: value of EEAR were found to be 508.17 ± 7.37 μg and 416.57 ± 5.08 μg when determined by hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide scavenging assay respectively. The reducing powers of EEAR was 0.295 ± 0.0037 at 125 μg/ml and increased to 0.934 ± 0.0005 at 500 μg/ml. HPTLC fingerprint data supports several basic informations like isolation, purification, quality evaluation and standardization. No sign of toxicity was observed after treated with 2000 mg/kg of EEAR. CONCLUSION: The obtained data highlight the potential role of EEAR as a source of natural antioxidants.