Studies on Leaf extracts of drug Punarnava by comparing its Antioxidant Potential by Spectrophotometric method

These two plants namely Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Nyctaginaceae) and Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Aizeaceae) commonly called as “Punarnava” they were completely different biological source but used for the same purpose since ancient time. So that it is considered as a source of controversial drug. Here we have given emphasis in our study to compare these two sources by means of their antioxidant potential. In the preliminary study, aqueous and methanolic extracts were prepared in the form of hot decoction revealed the presence of tannins and flavonoid, active constituents responsible for antioxidant properties. Then the concepts were considered to under taken to quantify the variation content. To fulfil its timely needed thrust in research area by adopting modern analytical way for standardization. The active constituents were determined by Folin-Denis method for total Phenolic content and AlCl₃ colour complex method for flavanoids. Its antioxidant property was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging assay, Hydrogen Peroxide Scavenging activity and Nitric Oxide scavenging assay. On the basis of the results of this study Boerhaavia diffusa leaf extracts showed that the potent antioxidant potential when compared to Trianthema portulacastrum leaf extracts against free radicals using specific in vitro models.