Author(s):

Binil Eldhose1, Vicente Notario2, M.S. Latha

Abstract: Plumbago indica (Plumbaginaceae) is a perennial herb, commonly cultivated in India for its therapeutic value. The goal of current study was to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and to explore the in vitro antioxidant properties of methanolic extracts of P. indica. Preliminary phytochemical evaluations revealed the presence of steroids, tannins, glycosides, phenols, flavonoids and saponins in the root methanolic extracts. Determinations of their in vitro antioxidant activity were carried out by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl in an assay based on the method of Oyaizu. Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was also measured in the same extracts. Results from this research project indicated that P. indica roots are indeed rich in phytochemicals and had substantial antioxidant activities, implying that P. indica roots can be used as a potential source of natural antioxidants.

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