Free Radical Scavenging and Total Phenolic Content of Saccharum Spontaneum L. Root Extracts

Saccharum spontaneum L. known as Kasa (Family: Poaceae) is a traditional herb, it have excellence medicinal value; have been advocated in the treatment gynaecological troubles, respiratory disease. Roots are used as galactagogue and diuretic and in ayurveda system roots are also used as astringent, emollient, refrigerant, diuretic, purgative, tonic, aphrodisiac and useful in treatment of dyspepsia, burning sensation, piles and sexual weakness. Antioxidants thus play an important role of protecting the human body against damage by reactive oxygen species. The methanolic extract were prepared and screened for in-vitro antioxidant activities using 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity method. Also, extract were assessed for thiocyanate, reduction potential and nitric oxide scavenging activity. The total phenolic content was found to be 351.25 ± 1.31 μg mL-1; however the flavonoid content was 48.60 ± 2.17 μg mL-1 for Saccharum spontaneum root extract. From the research, it was concluded that the antioxidant played an important role of protecting the human body against free radicals.