Phytochemicals and antioxidant potential ofAndrographispaniculata (Burm. f. ) Wall. ex Nees

In the course of recent years, enthusiasm for therapeutic plants has developed tremendously. As a source of alternative medicines, plant derived drugs are of great potential and can be used to cure various health related ailments. In Ayurveda, plants of Acanthaceae family are of great medicinal importance. Andrographis paniculata Nees commonly known as Kalmegh (Dark cloud), belongs to family Acanthaceae, is a significant therapeutic, herb well known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti -HIV properties and for cure of variety of other communicable diseases extending from malaria to dysentery. Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic medicine systems frequently use plant aerial parts and roots. Considering the above concerns, research was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of A. paniculata. Aerial parts of the plant were collected and moisture content was estimated. The residual sample was then shade-dried, followed by oven drying, and again the moisture content was estimated. Various chemicals and phytonutrients like minerals, alkaloids, tannins, crude protein, crude fibre, flavonoids and total phenolics were present. After drying, the aerial parts were ground and solvent extracts of the aerial parts were prepared using different solvents with increasing polarities. Antioxidant activity was assessed from various prepared solvent extracts using the 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method. Plant extract's antioxidant capacity was contrasted with that of regular ascorbic acid.