Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Aqueous (Hot) Extract of Eugenia uniflora (L.) Leaves

In recent years, there is an increasing interest in the study of free radicals since free radicals are the reason for various human diseases. Different forms of radicals are generated by human body as a result of certain metabolic pathways. Normally there is a balance in the levels of free radicals and antioxidants for proper physiological conditions. Overproduction of the free radicals causes oxidative damage to the biomolecules like lipids, DNA and proteins. This leads to chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, neuronal disease, cataract, cancer etc. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential of aqueous leaf extract of Eugenia uniflora as an antioxidant lead by using various in vitro models like lipid peroxidation (FTC and TBA method, total antioxidant capacity and reducing power scavenging assays using standard procedures. IC50 values were calculated respectively. In all these studies, a significant correlation existed between concentrations of the extract and percentage inhibition of free radicals. These results clearly indicated that leaf extract of Eugenia unflora could be a potential source of natural antioxidant and effective against free radical mediated diseases.