Antioxidant and Radical Scavenging effect of Ipomoea pes-caprae Linn. R.BR

Numerous diseases are associated with oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Current research is directed towards finding naturally-occurring antioxidants of the plant origin. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activities of Ipomoea pes-caprae extract. 80% ethanol extract of Ipomoea pescaprae was studied in vitro for total antioxidant activity, for scavenging of hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide and phenolic contents. Subsequent quantification showed the presence of 0.84% (m/m) phenolics (calculated as gallic acid) and 0.23% (m/m) flavonoids calculated as catechin equivalents per 100 g of fresh mass. The presence of phenolic compounds prompted us to evaluate its antioxidant activity. The present study provides evidence that the ethanol extract of Ipomoea pes-caprae is a potential source of natural antioxidants.