Evaluation of antioxidant activity of Saraca indica leaves extracts using in vitro and ex vivo models

Saraca indica, a folk medicinal plant of India and recognized for its important medicinal value in Ayurveda. In the present study, an attempt was made to evaluate the antioxidant activity of methanol, chloroform and petroleum ether extract of Saraca indica leaves using several in vitro and ex vivo models. Total flavanoid and phenolic content of the extracts were also determined. All extracts produced antioxidant activity in concentration dependent manner. Methanol extracts produced highest in vitro antioxidant activity and possess higher amount of total phenolic (14.7 mu g gallic acid equivalent/mg) and total flavonoid content (25.1 mu g quercetin equivalent/mg). Methanol and chloroform extract showed a higher inhibition of lipid peroxidation than the standard drug rutin. Methanol extract produced better inhibition of oxidative erythrocyte haemolysis than ascorbic acid, while chloroform extracts produced similar effect like that of ascorbic acid. Results indicated that petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol extract of Saraca indica leaf possess potent antioxidant property. Presence of phenolic, flavanoid content may responsible for the antioxidant activity.