Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties of Phaulopsis fascisepala C.B.Cl. (Acanthaceae)

The antioxidant activities of crude extract of Phaulopsis fascisepala leaf were evaluated and compared with alpha-tocopherol and BHT as synthetic antioxidants and ascorbic acid as natural-based antioxidant. In vitro, we studied its antioxidative activities, radical-scavenging effects, Fe(2+)-chelating ability and reducing power. The total phenolic content was determined and expressed in gallic acid equivalent. The extract showed variable activities in all of these in vitro tests. The antioxidant effect of P. fascisepala was strongly dose dependent, increased with increasing leaf extract dose and then leveled off with further increase in extract dose. Compared to other antioxidants used in the study, alpha-Tocopherol, ascorbic acid and BHT, P. fascisepala leaf extract showed less scavenging effect on alpha,alpha,-diphenyl-beta-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and less reducing power on Fe(3+)/ferricyanide complex but better Fe(2+)-chelating ability. These results revealed the in vitro antioxidant activity of P. fascisepala. Further investigations are necessary to verify these activities in vivo.