Radioprotecting Ability and Phytochemical Analysis of an Indian Medicinal Plant : Terminalia chebula

Aqueous extract of a natural herb, Terminalia chebula was tested for potential antioxidant activity by examining its ability to inhibit γ-radiation induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes and damage to superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme in rat liver mitochondria. HPLC analysis of the extract showed the presence of compounds such as ascorbate, gallic acid and ellagic acid. This was also confirmed by cyclic voltammetry. The extract inhibits xanthine oxidase enzyme activity and is also an excellent scavenger of DPPH radicals. The rate at which the extract and its constituents scavenge the DPPH radical was studied by using stopped-flow kinetic spectrometer. Based on all these results it is concluded that the aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula acts as a potent antioxidant and since it is able to protect cellular organelles from the radiation induced damage, it may be considered as a probable radioprotector.