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Antioxidant Potential of Medicinal Plants

This research article explores the antioxidant potential of aqueous extracts from Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata, focusing on their physicochemical properties and phytochemical characterization. The study employs various in vitro models to assess antioxidant activity, revealing significant efficacy of the extracts, which contain various beneficial phytoconstituents. The findings highlight the therapeutic potential of these medicinal plants in cancer treatment and oxidative stress management.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
4 views12 pages

Antioxidant Potential of Medicinal Plants

This research article explores the antioxidant potential of aqueous extracts from Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata, focusing on their physicochemical properties and phytochemical characterization. The study employs various in vitro models to assess antioxidant activity, revealing significant efficacy of the extracts, which contain various beneficial phytoconstituents. The findings highlight the therapeutic potential of these medicinal plants in cancer treatment and oxidative stress management.

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Abdelazim Ahmed
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

ISSN 0975-2366

DOI:[Link]
Research Article

Exploration of Antioxidant Potential of Various Medicinal


Plants Beneficial for Cancer Therapeutics and
Phytochemical Characterization, Standardization Thereof
SWATI MADANa,d*,SATYENDRA KUMAR RAJPUTb,d, NEERUPMA DHIMANc, BITASTA MANDALa, ROHIT
BHARDWAJb, SANSKAR GUPTAa
a
Centre for Pharmacognosy and Phytomedicine
b
Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology
c
Centre for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amity Institute of Pharmacy
d
Amity Institute of Indian System of Medicine, Amity University, Sector 125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Correspondence author*:
Swati Madan, E-mail: smadan3@[Link]
Associate Professor, Centre for Pharmacognosy and Phytomedicine, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Assistant
Director, Amity Institute of Indian System of Medicine, Sec-125, L-1 block
Amity University, Noida-201313
Received: 25.12.19, Revised: 27.01.20, Accepted: 15.02.20

ABSTRACT
Nature is a storehouse of a large number of plant and animal derived materials which are reported to have
immense pharmacological potential. The current study is based on the fluorescence analysis, evaluation of
physicochemical parameters, preliminary phytochemical screening and analysis of antioxidant potential of the
aqueous extracts made from the aerial parts of Catharanthus roseus and stem bark of Camptotheca acuminata.
Physicochemical evaluation was performed as per the official guidelines. Fluorescence behavior of the plant
material was studied under visible light and UV light at 254 and 366 nm. Phytochemical screening was done as
per the literature. Antioxidant activity was assessed using different in vitro models such as DPPH free radical
scavenging assay, ABTS radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing antioxidant assay, superoxide anion radical
scavenging assay and nitric oxide radical scavenging assay. Ascorbic acid was used as the reference standard.
The fluorescence behavior exhibited by both the plant materials was unique to them. Results of
physicochemical analysis also complied as per the officially set limits. Preliminary phytochemical screening
revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponin, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and flavonoids. Both the
aqueous extracts exhibited significant antioxidant activity thereby highlighting their tremendous therapeutic
efficacy.
Keywords: Catharanthus roseus, Camptotheca acuminata, fluorescence, physicochemical analysis, preliminary
phytochemical screening, antioxidant

INTRODUCTION generation and deposition of reactive oxygen


Nature has bestowed us with a diversity of species (ROS) in different body tissues and the
medicinal agents from a wide variety of sources capability of the body system to detoxify them [2].
whether it be plant, animal or mineral. With the It further gives rise to different age-related
increasing incidence of a large number of diseases such as those related to cardiovascular
ailments in the current era, the demand of system, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
therapeutic agents from natural sources is on the chronic conditions related to kidneys,
rise owing to their safety, efficacy, cost neurodegenerative disorders, cancer which may
effectiveness, ease of availability as compared to be due to the oxidative harm caused by the ROS
allopathic interventions [1]. Herbal medicines to various macromolecules such as DNA, proteins,
possess immense therapeutic efficacy owing to the lipids [3]. Some of the oxidants include superoxide
presence of a diverse array of phytoconstituents in anion (O2−.), hydroxyl radical (•OH), hydrogen
them and thus, can be used to cure a wide range peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorous acid (HOCl),
of abnormal health conditions. Oxidative stress is peroxyl radicals (ROO·), hydroperoxyl radical
one such anomaly which arises from the (HOO•), nitric oxide (NO•) radical [4]. Among the
disturbance of the balance between the various medicinal herbs Catharanthus roseus,

660| International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research | Apr - Jun 2020 | Vol 12 | Issue 2
Swati Madan et al / Exploration of Antioxidant Potential of Various Medicinal Plants Benefits for
Cancer Therapeutics and Phytochemical Characterization, Standardization Thereof

commonly called as Madagascar periwinkle, is (alcoholic), 1 N hydrochloric acid, ammonia, 5%


one such renowned medicinal plant belonging to iodine, 5% ferric chloride, acetic acid, 1 N
the family Apocynaceae which contains two sulphuric acid, 1 N nitric acid [9].
antitumor terpenoid indole alkaloids, vincristine
and vinblastine [5]. It has been widely used in the Physicochemical analysis
treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, childhood Evaluation of physicochemical parameters was
leukemia, lymphosarcoma, giant follicular done according to the official protocol which
lymphoma, malignant lymphatic tumors and as included ash values (total, water soluble, acid
antidiabetic [6]. Likewise, another medicinal plant insoluble), loss on drying, extractive values
Camptotheca acuminata, commonly known as (petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, ethanol,
cancer tree, belonging to family Nyssaceae hydroalcoholic, water) [10, 11].
contains the cytotoxic quinoline type of alkaloid,
camptothecin [7]. Camptothecin has exhibited Extraction of plant material
potential antitumor efficacy to lung, ovarian, The aerial parts of Catharanthus roseus were
breast, pancreas and stomach cancers [8]. dried in an oven to remove any moisture content
As anticancer activity is related to antioxidant and were coarsely powdered. About 50 g of the
efficacy therefore, the present work included a powdered aerial parts was accurately weighed
thorough evaluation of the antioxidant efficacy of and defatted with petroleum ether (40-60oC) in a
the aqueous extracts made from the aerial parts Soxhlet apparatus for about 6 h. Following this,
of Catharanthus roseus and stem bark of the extract was decanted and the marc was air
Camptotheca acuminata using various in vitro dried for the removal of any petroleum ether left.
models so as to ascertain the efficaciousness of The marc left was further subjected to Soxhlet
the extracts in inhibiting oxidative conditions extraction by using water as the solvent for 6-8 h.
under different environments. As the identity, After completion of extraction, the extract was
quality and purity of any medicinal plant material filtered and concentrated on a rotavapor
needs to be examined before proceeding with assembly, cooled, transferred into a china dish
further study, therefore, fluorescence analysis and and dried in an oven at 60°C. Finally, the
physicochemical evaluation were carried out as aqueous extract was kept in a desiccator to protect
per the official guidelines. Moreover, the aqueous it from moisture and was used for further studies.
extracts were also subjected to preliminary
phytochemical screening to confirm the presence Preliminary phytochemical screening
of various phytoconstituents. The aqueous extracts were subjected to different
qualitative chemical tests to ensure the presence
MATERIALS AND METHODS of different phytoconstituents like alkaloids,
Collection, identification and authentication of carbohydrates, glycosides, tannins, proteins,
plant material steroids, terpenoids, waxes, flavonoids and amino
Aerial parts of Catharanthus roseus and aqueous acids [12, 13].
extract of the stem bark of Camptotheca
acuminata were procured from Shri Narmatha In vitro antioxidant activity
traders, Tamil Nadu and Kingherbs, China, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical
respectively. The identification of the aerial parts scavenging assay
of Catharanthus roseus was verified by Dr. Sunita The free radical scavenging capacity of aqueous
Garg, Head, Raw Materials Herbarium and extract of Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca
Museum, NISCAIR, New Delhi and a voucher acuminata was determined using established
specimen number NISCAIR/RHMD/3142/91 for DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method
the same was obtained. A certificate of analysis of [14]. Stock solutions of the aqueous extracts of
Camptotheca acuminata aqueous extract was Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata
obtained from Kingherbs, China. were made in distilled water (1 mg/ ml). DPPH
solution (0.004 %) was made in methanol. 2 ml of
Fluorescence analysis different dilutions of both the extracts were
About 1-2 mg of the dried powdered drug was prepared in water (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100,
taken and placed on a microscopic slide and 150 and 200 µg/ml) and mixed with 1 ml of
observed in day light as well as in short wave UV DPPH solution. Ascorbic acid was used as the
light (254nm) and long wave UV light (366 nm). reference standard and dissolved in water to
The powdered drug was then treated with different make the stock solution with the same
reagents. The reagents used were 1 N sodium concentration (1.0 mg/ml) from which 2 ml of
hydroxide (aqueous), 1 N sodium hydroxide various dilutions were made (2,4,6,810, 20

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Swati Madan et al / Exploration of Antioxidant Potential of Various Medicinal Plants Benefits for
Cancer Therapeutics and Phytochemical Characterization, Standardization Thereof

µg/ml) in water followed by mixing with 1 ml Where A0 was the absorbance of the control
DPPH solution and standard curve was made for (without extract/standard) and A1 was the
comparison with the samples. All the samples and absorbance of the extract or standard.
the standard sets were left to incubate in the dark
for 15 min followed by reading the absorbance at Ferric reducing antioxidant assay
517 nm against a blank. The control sample was The assay was done following a developed
prepared by taking 2 ml of water instead of the protocol as mentioned in literature [16]. 1 liter of
extracts/standard and 1 ml DPPH solution. The 300 mM acetate buffer with pH 3.6 was made.
percentage scavenging activity of Catharanthus Following this, a solution of 10 mM TPTZ (2,4,6-
roseus and Camptotheca acuminata against DPPH tripyridyl-S-triazine) in 40 mM hydrochloric acid
free radical was measured using the following was made. After this, 20 mM ferric chloride
equation: solution was made in distilled water. Finally, FRAP
% Inhibition = [(A0-A1) / A0] × 100 (ferric ion reducing antioxidant parameter)
Where A0 was the absorbance of the control reagent was prepared by mixing 500 ml of
(without extract/standard) and A1 was the prepared acetate buffer, 50 ml of TPTZ solution
absorbance of the extract or standard. and 50 ml of ferric chloride solution. Stock
solutions of the aqueous extracts of Catharanthus
ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- roseus and Camptotheca acuminata were made in
sulfonic acid) radical scavenging assay distilled water (1 mg/ ml). 1 ml of different
The assay was done following a developed dilutions of both the extracts were prepared in
protocol as mentioned in literature [15]. Stock water (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, 150, 200,
solution of ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis (3- 250, 300, 350 and 400 µg/ml) and mixed with 3
ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) with a ml of FRAP reagent followed by incubation at
concentration of 7 m mol/L was made in distilled 37ᵒC for 30 min. After this, the absorbance was
water. A solution of potassium persulfate was read at 593 nm against a blank. Ascorbic acid
prepared in distilled water with a concentration of was used as the reference standard and dissolved
2.4 m mol/L. Working solution was made by in water to make the stock solution with the same
mixing 10 ml of both the above solutions and concentration (1.0 mg/ml) from which 1 ml of
allowing them to react for 12 h at room various dilutions were made (4,6,8,10, 20, 30, 40
temperature in the dark. Thereafter, 1 ml of the and 50 µg/ml) in water followed by mixing with 3
above solution was diluted with 45 ml of 50% ml FRAP reagent in the same way as done with
ethanol. Stock solutions of the aqueous extracts of extracts and standard curve was established from
Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata which ascorbic acid equivalents for both the
were made in distilled water (1 mg/ ml). 1 ml of sample extracts were calculated. The control
different dilutions of both the extracts were sample was prepared by mixing 1 ml of water
prepared in water (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, instead of the extracts/standard and 3 ml FRAP
150, 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 µg/ml) and reagent. The percentage inhibitory activity of
made to react with 2.5 ml ABTS solution as made Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata
earlier and the absorbance was read at 734 nm extracts was measured using the following
after 7 min against a blank. Ascorbic acid was equation:
used as the reference standard and dissolved in % Inhibition = [(A0-A1) / A0] × 100
water to make the stock solution with the same Where A0 was the absorbance of the control
concentration (1.0 mg/ml) from which 1 ml of (without extract/standard) and A1 was the
various dilutions were made (4,6,8,10, 20, 30, 40 absorbance of the extract or standard.
and 50 µg/ml) in water followed by mixing with
2.5 ml ABTS solution in the same way as done Superoxide anion radical scavenging assay
with extracts and standard curve was made for The assay was done following an established
comparison with the samples. The control sample method as reported in literature [17]. 1 litre of 0.1
was prepared by mixing 1 ml of water instead of M phosphate buffer with pH 7.4 was made.
the extracts/standard and 2.5 ml ABTS solution. Following this, a solution of NBT was made in
The percentage scavenging activity of phosphate buffer with a concentration of 156 µM.
Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata After this, a 60 µM solution of PMS (phenazine
against ABTS radical was measured using the methosulfate) was made in phosphate buffer
following equation: following which a 100 µM solution of NADH
% Inhibition = [(A0-A1) / A0] × 100 (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) was prepared
in buffer. Stock solutions of the aqueous extracts
of Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca

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Cancer Therapeutics and Phytochemical Characterization, Standardization Thereof

acuminata were made in distilled water (1 mg/ in distilled water (1 mg/ ml). Ascorbic acid was
ml). 1 ml of different dilutions of both the extracts used as the reference standard and dissolved in
were prepared in water (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, water to make the stock solution with the same
100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 µg/ml) concentration (1.0 mg/ml) from which 1 ml of
and mixed with 1 ml NBT (nitro blue tetrazolium various dilutions were made (4,6,8,10, 20, 30, 40
chloride) solution and 1 ml NADH solution. and 50 µg/ml) in water and mixed with 0.5 ml
Thereafter, the reaction was initiated by adding 1 sodium nitroprusside in the same way as done
ml PMS solution to the above mixture. The with extracts. Thereafter, the tubes were incubated
mixtures were incubated at 25ᵒC for 5 min and at 25ᵒC for 150 min after which 1 ml of Griess
the absorbance was read at 560 nm against a reagent was added followed by keeping the tubes
blank. Ascorbic acid was used as the reference for 30 min at 25ᵒC. The control sample was
standard and dissolved in water to make the stock prepared by mixing 1 ml of water instead of the
solution with the same concentration (1.0 mg/ml) extracts/standard along with 0.5 ml sodium
from which 1 ml of various dilutions were made nitroprusside solution and 1 ml Griess reagent.
(4,6,8,10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 µg/ml) in water Thereafter, the absorbance was read at 546 nm
followed by mixing with 1 ml NBT solution, 1 ml against a blank. The percentage inhibitory activity
NADH solution and 1 ml PMS solution in the of Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca
same way as done with extracts and standard acuminata extracts was measured using the
curve was made for comparison with the samples. following equation:
The control sample was prepared by mixing 1 ml % Inhibition = [(A0-A1) / A0] × 100
of water instead of the extracts/standard along Where A0 was the absorbance of the control
with 1 ml NBT solution, 1 ml NADH solution and (without extract/standard) and A1 was the
1 ml PMS solution. The percentage inhibitory absorbance of the extract or standard.
activity of Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca
acuminata extracts was measured using the Statistical analysis
following equation: The experiments were conducted in triplicate and
% Inhibition = [(A0-A1) / A0] × 100 the results reported as mean±SD (standard
Where A0 was the absorbance of the control deviation).
(without extract/standard) and A1 was the
absorbance of the extract or standard. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The fluorescence behavior shown by the both the
Nitric oxide radical scavenging assay medicinal herbs was unique to them and the
The assay was done following an established results are shown in Table 1 and Table 2. It
method as reported in literature [18]. 1 litre of played a significant role in their identification due
phosphate buffered saline was made in which 10 to the distinctive fluorescence emanated by the
mM sodium nitroprusside solution was prepared. different phytoconstituents present. The
0.5 ml of sodium nitroprusside solution was fluorescence properties shown by a powdered
added to test tubes followed by addition of 1 ml drug as such or upon treatment with different
of different dilutions (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, reagents due to the particular phytocomponents is
150, 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 µg/ml) made an exclusive aspect of the drug thereby, aiding in
from stock solutions of the aqueous extracts of pharmacognostical identification [19].
Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata

Table 1. Fluorescence Analysis of Catharanthus Roseus


Treatment Visible light UV light
254 nm 366 nm
Powder Dark greenish Greenish brown Dark green
brown
Powder + 1N HCl Brown Brown Dark brown
Powder + NH3 Green Light green Green
Powder + 5% Dark brown Dark brownish Black
iodine green
Powder + 5% FeCl3 Greenish black Dark green Black
Powder + Acetic Dark green Dark green Brown
acid
Powder + 1N Light green Greenish yellow Green

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Cancer Therapeutics and Phytochemical Characterization, Standardization Thereof

H2SO4
Powder + 1N Greenish brown Greenish brown Dark brown
HNO3

Table 2. Fluorescence Analysis of Camptotheca Acuminata


Treatment Visible light UV light
254 nm 366 nm
Powder Dark greenish Greenish brown Dark green
brown
Powder + 1N HCl Brown Light Brown Dark brown
Powder + NH3 Green Green Dark Green
Powder + 5% Dark brown Dark brownish Black
iodine green
Powder + 5% FeCl3 Greenish black Dark green Black
Powder + Acetic Dark green Dark green Brown
acid
Powder + 1N Light green Light Greenish Green
H2SO4 yellow
Powder + 1N Greenish brown Greenish brown Dark brown
HNO3

Physicochemical analysis of both the medicinal were low which further established their acceptable
herbs confirmed their quality and purity as all the quality. A low value for acid insoluble ash refers to
parameters were found to be within the prescribed the presence of lower amounts of silica and other
limits. The results are reported in Table 3. The unnecessary material in the herb [21]. The values
values for total ash were acceptable. A higher value for moisture content (loss on drying) were also in
implies the presence of ample amount of inorganic agreement with the mentioned limits which further
content present naturally in a medicinal herb [20]. ensured that the herbs are not prone to microbial
The values for water soluble and acid insoluble ash growth.

Table 3. Values for Physicochemical Parameters


Physicochemical parameter Catharanthus Camptotheca
(in % w/w) roseus acuminata
Total ash 10.04±0.57 8.07±0.55
Acid insoluble ash 0.40±0.08 0.34±0.09
Water soluble ash 1.23±0.21 1.02±0.11
Loss on drying 5.04±0.67 4.06±0.26
Petroleum ether extract 1.68±0.47 1.881±0.21
Chloroform extract 8.47±0.69 6.47±0.65
Methanol extract 32.36±0.68 22.36±0.55
Ethanol extract 39.52±1.94 28.44±1.82
Hydro alcoholic extract 29.69±0.85 30.69±0.88
Water extract 42.59±1.52 35.59±1.66
Values are expressed as Mean±SD (n=3). SD: Standard Deviation

Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the proved that both the medicinal herbs are a
presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponin, terpenoids, storehouse of a diversity of phytoconstituents
cardiac glycosides and flavonoids in the aqueous responsible for their immense pharmacological
extracts of the aerial parts of Catharanthus roseus spectrum. The results are mentioned in Table 4.
and stem bark of Camptotheca acuminata. It

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Swati Madan et al / Exploration of Antioxidant Potential of Various Medicinal Plants Benefits for
Cancer Therapeutics and Phytochemical Characterization, Standardization Thereof

Table 4. Preliminary Phytochemical Screening


Phytoconstituent Catharanthus roseus Camptotheca acuminate
Alkaloids + +
Carbohydrates - -
Cardiac Glycosides + +
Saponins + +
Tannins + +
Proteins - -
Steroids - -
Terpenoids + +
Waxes - -
Flavonoids + +
Amino acids - -
+ : Presence; - : Absence.

The results of DPPH free radical scavenging activity roseus was 91.45±1.57 % which was much higher
are given in figure 1 and figure 2 which show the than that exhibited by the extract of Camptotheca
graphical representations of percentage inhibition acuminata which exerted 81.90±1.33 % of
versus concentration for the standard (ascorbic inhibition. Moreover, the maximum inhibition
acid) and the aqueous extracts of Catharanthus shown by Catharanthus roseus at 200 µg/ml was
roseus and Camptotheca acuminata. At 200µg/ml, close to that of standard (ascorbic acid) which
the maximum percentage inhibition of DPPH showed a maximum inhibition of 98.95±1.15 % at
radical exhibited by the extract of Catharanthus 20 µg/ml.

Figure 1. DPPH assay of standard (ascorbic acid)

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Cancer Therapeutics and Phytochemical Characterization, Standardization Thereof

Figure 2. DPPH assay of Catharathus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata

The results of ABTS radical scavenging assay are roseus was 97.57±0.71 % which was close to that
given in figure 3 and figure 4 which show the exhibited by the extract of Camptotheca acuminata
graphical illustrations for the percentage inhibition which showed 96.47±1.09% of inhibition.
versus concentration of standard (ascorbic acid) Moreover, the maximum inhibition shown by both
and the aqueous extracts of Catharanthus roseus the extracts at 400 µg/ml was close to that of
and Camptotheca acuminata. The maximum standard (ascorbic acid) which showed maximum
percentage inhibition of ABTS radical at 400 µg/ml inhibition of 99.39±0.34% at 50 µg/ml.
shown by the aqueous extract of Catharanthus

Figure 3. ABTS assay of standard (ascorbic acid)

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Swati Madan et al / Exploration of Antioxidant Potential of Various Medicinal Plants Benefits for
Cancer Therapeutics and Phytochemical Characterization, Standardization Thereof

Figure 4. ABTS assay of Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata

The results of ferric reducing antioxidant assay are equivalents (mg/100 g) corresponding to different
represented in figure 5 which shows the graphical dilutions of the extracts were calculated. At 400
depiction for the ascorbic acid equivalent (mg/100 µg/ml, ascorbic acid equivalent for the aqueous
g) versus concentration of the aqueous extracts of extract of Catharanthus roseus was 47.47±0.18
Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata. mg/100 g which was much higher than the extract
From the equation for standard (ascorbic acid) of Camptotheca acuminata being 14.50±0.23
curve (y=0.2097x+0.8349), ascorbic acid mg/100 g.

Figure 5. FRAP assay of Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata

The results of superoxide anion radical scavenging maximum percentage inhibition of 63.23±2.86%
assay can be observed from the graphical at 400 µg/ml which was higher than that shown by
representations for the percentage inhibition of the extract of Camptotheca acuminata being
superoxide anion radical versus concentration of 58.52±4.36 %. Moreover, the maximum inhibition
standard (ascorbic acid) and the aqueous extracts shown by both the extracts at 400 µg/ml was higher
of Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca as compared to standard (ascorbic acid) which
acuminata shown in figure 6 and figure 7. The exhibited a maximum inhibition of 54.33±3.84% at
aqueous extract of Catharanthus roseus showed 50 µg/ml.

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Swati Madan et al / Exploration of Antioxidant Potential of Various Medicinal Plants Benefits for
Cancer Therapeutics and Phytochemical Characterization, Standardization Thereof

Figure 6. Superoxide radical scavenging assay of standard (ascorbic acid)

Figure 7. Superoxide radical scavenging assay of Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata

The results of nitric oxide radical scavenging assay Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata
can be seen from the graphical depictions for the was similar being 64.54±0.46% and 64.96±1.08
percentage inhibition of nitric oxide radical versus %, respectively at 400 µg/ml. Additionally, the
concentration of standard (ascorbic acid) and the maximum inhibition exerted by both the extracts at
aqueous extracts of Catharanthus roseus and 400 µg/ml was close to that of standard (ascorbic
Camptotheca acuminata represented in figure 8 acid) which exhibited a maximum inhibition of
and figure 9. The maximum percentage inhibition 65.06±0.65% at 50 µg/ml.
exhibited by both the aqueous extracts of

668| International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research | Apr - Jun 2020 | Vol 12 | Issue 2
Swati Madan et al / Exploration of Antioxidant Potential of Various Medicinal Plants Benefits for
Cancer Therapeutics and Phytochemical Characterization, Standardization Thereof

Figure 8. Nitric oxide radical scavenging assay of standard (ascorbic acid)

Figure 9. Nitric oxide radical scavenging assay of Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca
acuminata

The inhibition in all the assays was exerted in a antioxidant activity as is evident from the results of
dose-dependent manner. The results from the various in vitro antioxidant assays. Thus, it leads to
above studies prove the efficacy of both the the impression that the aerial parts of Catharanthus
aqueous extracts of Catharanthus roseus and roseus and stem bark of Camptotheca acuminata
Camptotheca acuminata as potential antioxidants. can be effectively included in different polyherbal
The enormous antioxidant potential can be formulations for combating oxidative stress due to
attributed to the presence of high amounts of free radicals. The current work establishes the
flavonoids and phenolics in the aerial parts of identity, quality and purity of both the medicinal
Catharanthus roseus and stem bark of herbs by complying to the official limits set for
Camptotheca acuminata. Further research is various physicochemical parameters which can act
needed for an exploration of the phytoconstituents as a reference for conducting their quality control
responsible for the tremendous antioxidant potency studies for future research. The present work sets
alongwith their quantification. the standards which could be useful to identify the
authenticity of both these medicinally useful plants.
CONCLUSION
The aqueous extracts from the aerial parts of ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Catharanthus roseus and stem bark of The authors are grateful to AYUSH EMR Project
Camptotheca acuminata possess potential number Z 28015/243/2015-HPC (EMR)-AYUSH-A,

669| International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research | Apr - Jun 2020 | Vol 12 | Issue 2
Swati Madan et al / Exploration of Antioxidant Potential of Various Medicinal Plants Benefits for
Cancer Therapeutics and Phytochemical Characterization, Standardization Thereof

Government of India, Ministry of Ayush and Dr. 14. Sowndhararajan K, Kang SC, Free Radical
Atul Chauhan, Chancellor Amity University Uttar Scavenging Activity from Different Extracts of
Pradesh, Noida for helping with the necessary Leaves of Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Arn., Saudi
facilities required for the current research work. Journal of Biological Sciences, 2013; 20(4): 319-
325.
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Ascorbic acid is used as a reference standard in antioxidant assays due to its well-established antioxidant capacity. It allows for comparison with plant extracts to evaluate their relative antioxidant effectiveness. In the DPPH assay, Catharanthus roseus at 200 µg/ml shows maximum inhibition of 91.45±1.57%, which is close to ascorbic acid's 98.95±1.15% at 20 µg/ml . In the ABTS assay, Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata show similar inhibition to ascorbic acid at higher concentrations .

The antioxidant properties of Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata are evaluated using the DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, superoxide anion radical scavenging, and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. The ABTS assay shows the highest antioxidant activity for both plants at 400 µg/ml, with Catharanthus roseus exhibiting 97.57±0.71% inhibition and Camptotheca acuminata 96.47±1.09% inhibition, which are close to the 99.39±0.34% inhibition by the standard ascorbic acid at 50 µg/ml .

The presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, and flavonoids in the aqueous extracts of Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata significantly contributes to their antioxidant potential. These compounds are known for their radical scavenging properties, which protect cells from oxidative stress. The diversity and abundance of these phytoconstituents result in a broad pharmacological spectrum, enhancing the antioxidant capacity measured in assays like DPPH, ABTS, and others .

Given their potent antioxidant properties demonstrated in various in vitro assays, Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata could be incorporated into polyherbal formulations for managing oxidative stress-related conditions, such as inflammation and cancer. Their high flavonoid and phenolic content may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of such formulations. Research can also explore their potential in developing natural antioxidant supplements or skincare products aimed at reducing oxidative damage .

Measuring absorbance at specific wavelengths, such as 517 nm for the DPPH assay and 734 nm for ABTS, is crucial because it corresponds to the maximum absorption of the radical. The accuracy of antioxidant activity measurement depends on selecting the correct wavelength. Potential limitations include instrument calibration, sample preparation discrepancies, and light absorbance specific to individual constituents, which can affect reproducibility and reliability .

In the DPPH assay, samples and standards are incubated in the dark for 15 minutes, followed by reading the absorbance at 517 nm. The percentage scavenging activity is calculated using the equation: % Inhibition = [(A0-A1) / A0] × 100, where A0 is the absorbance of the control (without extract/standard) and A1 is the absorbance of the extract or standard .

Fluorescence behavior is important in the identification of medicinal herbs because different phytoconstituents emit distinctive fluorescence. This property can be used to confirm the presence of specific compounds within the plant extracts. For Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata, unique fluorescence behavior aids in identifying and standardizing the plant materials, ensuring their quality and purity for antioxidant assays and therapeutic use .

The nitric oxide radical scavenging assay shows that both Catharanthus roseus and Camptotheca acuminata have similar inhibitory effects, which closely match the standard ascorbic acid at a higher concentration. This suggests that these plants could effectively neutralize nitric oxide radicals, implicated in inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, suggesting potential benefits in managing these conditions .

Challenges in comparing antioxidant efficacy include differences in phytoconstituent concentrations, variations in solvent extract efficiencies, and the inherent variability in natural product composition. The accuracy of inhibition percentage calculations may differ due to these variables and potential interference in spectrophotometric readings. Furthermore, environmental factors influencing plant growth can affect the consistency of results across different assay batches .

In the FRAP assay, Catharanthus roseus exhibits an ascorbic acid equivalent of 47.47±0.18 mg/100 g at 400 µg/ml, which is significantly higher compared to Camptotheca acuminata . In contrast, the superoxide anion radical scavenging assay shows maximum inhibition of 63.23±2.86% for Catharanthus roseus at 400 µg/ml, which is higher than standard ascorbic acid's inhibition at 50 µg/ml . This indicates effective antioxidant capacity in both assays but with distinct outcomes in terms of units measured and inhibition efficiency.

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