Antioxidant Activity of Eclipta alba L.

The present investigation revealed that the selected medicinal plant E. alba exhibits antioxidant activity. The crude extract of the plant was found to significantly scavenge radicals and inhibited lipid peroxidation. E. alba is a commonly used for liver cirrhosis and infective hepatitis. It is rich in phenolic constituents like coumestans,triterpenes and flavonoids. The studies undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the ethyl acetate fraction of the aerial parts of E. alba revealed significant dose dependant interaction with stable free radical DPPH¿, inhibition of superoxide anion (O2-) and nitric oxide (NO)generation expressing scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.Thus suggesting the ability of the fraction to scavenge free radicals and reduce radical mediated cell damage.The fraction when administered orally produced elevation in the antioxidant status in rat liver and brain. E. alba may be mediating its effect by causing over expression of the antioxidant enzymes in liver and brain.Thus providing protection against the deleterious effects of a wide range of oxidative stress paradigms.