EVALUATION OF TOTAL PHENOLICS, FLAVONOID CONTENTS AND IN-VITRO ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF CATHARANTHUS PUSILLUS (APOCYNACEAE)

Objective: Present study was aimed to evaluate the total phenolic, flavonoid content and in vitro antioxidant activity of petroleum ether, benzene, ethyl acetate, methanol and ethanol extracts of whole plant of Catharanthus pusillus. Methods: Antioxidant activity have been tested using various antioxidant model systems viz., DPPH, hydroxyl, superoxide, ABTS and reducing power. Results: Methanol extract of Catharanthus pusillus is found to possess higher DPPH, hydroxyl, superoxide radical scavenging activity, while ethyl acetate extract is found to possess higher ABTS radical cation scavenging activity. Methanol extract of whole plant of Catharanthus pusillus shows the highest reducing ability. Conclusion: The study indicates the significant free radical scavenging potential of Catharanthus pusillus whole plant which can be experimented for the treatment of various free radicals mediated aliments.