Anti-oxidant activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn

Studies on natural compounds are of interest in now a day, due to their satisfactory health benefits with low toxicity. Herbs and spices have been added to different types of food to impart flavour as well as to improve storage stability due to their anti-oxidant effects. Anti-oxidants play a major role in curing degenerative diseases. In current scenario many synthetic antioxidants are commonly used but due to their toxic and carcinogenic effects, their use has been restricted by legislative rules. So the search for natural anti-oxidants is essential. In the present study, the flower of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn was extracted with n-butanol. Total phenolic content of the extracts was determined by Prussian blue method was found to be 1220 mg catechin is equivalent to 100 g of flower powder. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated through in vitro model systems such as DPPH Radical scavenging, total anti-oxidant activity and reducing power. The % Inhibition by extract (86%) as well as BHT is comparable by considering I% of BHT is 100%. Total antioxidant activity was found to be 248mg/100 g. Reducing power in terms of EC50 value of the extract is excellent (12.10), which is comparable with that of BHT (12.26). The results of the present study indicate that Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. flower is a good source of antioxidant and phenolics.