Abstract
Free radicals are the atomic and molecular varieties of oxygen that are collectively known as reactive oxygen species that initiates oxidative stress, an imbalance between the formation and neutralization of the pro-oxidants. The free radicals seek stability by stealing electrons from the biological macromolecules such as proteins, lipids and DNA in healthy human cells that in turn leads to the damage of proteins and DNA along with lipid peroxidation. Cellular constituents act as antioxidants play an important role in scavenging the free radicals formed and any disturbances can lead to various disease conditions that include cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, ageing etc. Several researches have shown plant extracts and different classes of phytochemicals to have a prominent antioxidant activity. The free radical scavenging activities of the methanolic extract of leaves of Artemisia vulgaris was assessed in different concentrations ranging from 0.125mg to 1.0mg against in vitro generated radicals like DPPH, ABTS, Hydrogen peroxide and Hydroxyl. The results were compared with a standard antioxidant trolox at the same concentrations. Methanolic extract of A. vulgaris showed considerable scavenging activity against the radicals generated in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Hence, the extracts can be used for the treatment of diseases where free radicals play a major role.
