Standardization and In vitro antioxidant activity of Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken bark (Koshamra) - An ayurvedic plant

Scheleichera oleosa (lour) oken known as Khosamra in Ayurveda (Tamil-puvam, puvathi) is used to treat pain and rheumatism in different parts of India. However, scientific evidence to justify the traditional claims are lacking. Considering the traditional use of S.oleosa and the lack of information about its pharmacological properties, the present study was undertaken to standardize the bark material and to screen for its antioxidant potential. The physico-chemical evaluation, phytochemical analysis besides estimation of phenols and tannins were carried out. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through DPPH, nitric oxide radical scavenging and total antioxidant studies. Physico-chemical constants of the powdered bark material were determined. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of steroids, flavanoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, tannins, saponins, phenols and proteins. The phenol and tannin content were found to be high in methanol extract (42mg GAE/gm and 21mg TAE/g) respectively. Methanolic extract showed maximum activity against DPPH and nitric oxide radicals besides exhibited total antioxidant activity as 50.82μg Vitamin E equivalent/mg of extract. The bark of Schleichera oleosa was standardized using physico-chemical and phytochemical analysis. This provides information regarding the presence of phytoconstituents, also act as a standardization tool for its future identification. The results of antioxidant activity concluded that the bark of Schleichera oleosa is a potential source of natural antioxidant.