Comparative evaluation of free radical scavenging activity of Boerhaavia diffusa root extracts (BDRE) and determination of dose effectivity against radiation induced damages in Swiss albino mice

Summary: Purpose of the study was to evaluate free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) of root extracts of Boerhaavia diffusa in different solvents and to examine its dose effectivity against radiation induced damages in Swiss albino mice. Scavenging activities of aqueous, ethanolic and hydroethanolic extracts of B. diffusa roots were evaluated by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1 picryl hydrazyl), ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and NO (nitric oxide) assay to find the most effective extract and results were expressed as IC50. To find the most effective dose, hydroethanolic root extract (50:50) of B. diffusa was orally administered to Swiss albino mice at the dose of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/Kg.body.weight for 15 consecutive days prior to irradiation with 8 Gy gamma radiation. Results indicates that hydroethanolic extract exhibited the highest free radical scavenging activity in DPPH., ABTS.+ and NO. assays showing IC50 as 293.77, 43.62 and 32.58 μg/ml, respectively. Reduced symptoms of radiation sickness, decline in body weight and mortality were minimum when mice were pre-treated with hydroethanolic extract at the dose of 1000 mg/Kg.body.weight prior to irradiation with 8 Gy gamma radiation as compared to mice pre-treated with extract at the dose of 250 and 500 mg/Kg.body.weight prior to irradiation with same dose of radiation. Thus, it was Concluded that certain phenolic constituents of B. diffusa roots like quercitin, caeffic acid, kempferol etc. and their derivatives act as antioxidant compounds confirming B. diffusa roots a potential source of antioxidant agent. Industrial Relevance: Having noticed with the importance of phytochemicals including flavonoids and phenolic acids as contributing factors to the antioxidant activity and common use of roots of Boerhaavia diffusa in majority of medicinal aspects can be responsible in curing oxidative stress related diseases in human beings. This study perhaps will be helpful in development of the effective drug for providing protection to biological systems against free radical induced damage. Keywords: Radioprotection, Boerrhavia diffusa, Free Radical Scavenging Activity, Dose Reduction Factor, Antioxidants.