ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF OCIMUM TENUIFLORUM (DRIED LEAF AND STEM)

The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activities and total phenolic assay of Ocimum tenuiflorum. This was achieved by screening the leaf and stem extracts for their free radical scavenging properties using BHT (Butylated hydroxyl toluene) and ascorbic acid as standard antioxidant. Total phenolic content was estimated in both extracts, leaf extract showing more activity (3.66g/100gm) than stem. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity was assayed, leaf showing 71% higher activity than stem, In leaf extract showing more (82%) of Superoxide anion scavenging activity than stem. Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was assayed leaf showing 69.2% higher activity than stem. Determination of carotenoids shows 26.5g/100gm higher in leaf extract. Quantification of ascorbic acid shows higher in leaf extract 6.4g/100gm than stem. The present study reveals that O. tenuiflorum would exert several beneficial effects by virtue of their antioxidant activity and could be hardnosed as drug formulation.