Antioxidant Properties of the Leaves and Stems of Aristolochia indica

Aristolochia indica is a traditionally used medicinal plant claimed to possess antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity. The present study was conducted with the purpose to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity in leaves and stem of Aristolochia indica. The enzymic antioxidants such as catalase, peroxidase, super oxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione- s-transferase and non-enzymic antioxidants (ascorbic acid, polyphenols, carotenoids, α-tocopherol, and flavonoids) were analysed. The free radical scavenging activity (inhibition of nitric acid, super oxide generation and in vitro lipid peroxidation and DPPH free radical scavenging and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity) of different extracts of Aristolochia indica was also observed. The results obtained in the present study indicated that the Aristolochia indica might be a good source of natural antioxidant.