Sudipta Banerjee, M. A. Mallick, G. R. Pathade

Abstract

Piper longum is a medicinal plant which has antioxidant property. Antioxidant property of plants can scavenge free radicals and protect the cell from oxidation. It helps to cure myocardial ischemic disease, a serious cardiac problem. Hot methanolic extract from leaf explants of plant was prepared for in vivo and in vitro studies and its antioxidant activity was determined by estimating Total phenolic content (TPC) and 2,2- diphenyl 1-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. As compounds responsible for the antioxidant effects are phenolic, hence, a preliminary assessment was done with total phenolic assay. Oxidative stress which can be relieved by antioxidant, is resultant from free radicals. Thus, it is important to measure free radical scavenging activity using DPPH. Comparison of in vivo and in vitro results showed the effect of tissue culture on extent of antioxidant activity of plant which is informative in terms of medicinal value of the plant. Further, the percentage of TPC and percentage of DPPH radical scavenging capacity were evaluated.