Evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of whole plant extracts of Hedyotis puberula (G. Don) R. Br. ex Arn.

The total phenolic content and in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of the whole plants of Hedyotis puberula (G. Don) R.Br. ex Arn. were appraised. The methanol extract of the plant contained higher levels of total phenolics, tannins and flavonoids content than other solvent extracts. Extracts were screened for antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities using various in vitro model systems. The methanol extract manifested strongest antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. The treatment of paracetamol intoxicated wistar rats with methanol extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg, b.wt. attenuated the elevated enzyme level such as glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase to normal level and significantly reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation. These results showed that the methanol extract of H. puberula has significant antioxidant activity both under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aires