<p><em>Centella asiatica</em> also known as <em>mandukparni </em>or Indian pennywort or <em>jalbrahmi</em>, which has been used as a medicine in the Ayurveda from ancient times and mentioned in many classical texts of Ayurveda. <em>Centella asiatica</em> has long been used to improve memory and cognitive function.</p><p>The study aimed to identify the phytochemicals present in different solvent extracts of <em>Centella asiatica </em>(i.e. PECA- Petroleum ether extract of <em>C. asiatica, </em>CCA- Chloroform extract of <em>C. asiatica, </em>EACA- Ethyl acetate extract of <em>C. asiatica,</em> ECA- Ethanolic extract of <em>C. asiatica, </em>HACA- Hydro-alcoholic extract of <em>C. asiatica</em>)<em> </em>and evaluate the respective in-vitro antioxidant potentials. <em></em></p><p>The phytochemical screening of extracts was done with standardized procedures and the antioxidant potential of different solvent extracts of <em>Centella asiatica</em> was assessed by its free radical scavenging activity 2, 2-diphenyl -1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as well as hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay respectively for reducing capability.</p><p>In all different solvent extracts of <em>C. asiatica</em> revealed excellent free radical scavenging activity as revealed by 2-2- diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay with EC<sub>50</sub> values for ECA=128.752±1.85 μg/ml, HACA=274.884±1.21 μg/ml and hydrogen peroxide assay against the standard (Butylated hydroxytoluene) BHT, with the EC<sub>50</sub> values ECA=429.69±0.92 μg/ml HACA=458.08±0.58 μg/ml while rest solvent extracts shown very less antioxidant activity.</p><p> The present study indicates that the <em>Centella asiatica</em> extracts have good antioxidant activity which can be used in stress and anxiety and also a good source to be used as natural drugs.</p>
Phytochemical Screening and in vitro evaluation of free radical scavenging activity of Cordia macleodii bark. (HOOK.F. & THOMSON)
