In vitro detection of antioxidants in different solvent fractions of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)

Free radicals are constantly generated and quenched by an efficient antioxidant network in the body. Many plant extracts and phytochemicals have antioxidant/free radical scavenging properties. Ginger is valued as medicine and antioxidant. Investigations were done to find out the free radical, hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide scavenging activity along with lipid peroxidation capability of different ginger fractions. Out of the 34 fractions studied, 10 fractions showed free radical scavenging activity ranging from 5.88% to 80%. Five different peaks were obtained. Diethyl ether and ethyl acetate (1:1) showed the maximum inhibition percent (80%) of antiradical activity. The chloroform fraction showed maximum hydroxyl radical scavenging activity followed by hexane fraction and diethyl ether and ethyl acetate (1:3) fraction. The maximum NO generation activity was observed in the benzene fraction (27.27%). The liver protective function was maximum (38.46% at 3000 mg/ml) in diethyl ether & ethyl acetate (1:1) fraction. The bioactive fraction of diethyl ether & ethyl acetate (1:1) showed the reactivity against natural productpolyethylene glycol reagent (NP/PEG) from which it may be concluded that zinger flavonoids have some contributory roles in scavenging free radical activity.