Detection of free radical scavenging activity of dhaura, anogeissus acuminata (roxb) wall ex bedd in vitro

The free radical generation is a universal phenomenon in eukaryotes utilizing oxygen for their energy requirements. The endoplasmic reticulum, peroxisomes, mitochondria, and lysosomes are the major sites of free radical generation in a cell.1–3 The free radicals are also generated by redox cycling of xenobiotics, exposure to ionizing radiations, radiofrequency and microwave radiations, visible light and UV radiation, many chemicals, oxygen– the most essential element of life, endogenous compounds and photosensitizing drugs.4–8 These free radicals trigger oxidative stress, which is one of the most important events in disease process and pathophysiology. It is not surprising that all most all diseases can be linked to triggering of oxidative stress and hence free radical formation in humans.9–11 Several synthetic drugs have been used to reduce oxidative stress however, they induce adverse toxic side effects.12,13 The use of plant derived or herbal products may be useful as antioxidants as they may not exert toxic adverse effects due to their biologic origin and composite nature.