IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF BOMBAX CEIBA

A study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant potential of bark of Bombax ceiba (Bombacaceae). Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the bark were subjected to in vitro antioxidant activity screening models such as DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide and superoxide radical scavenging activity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, reduction of ferric ions and total antioxidant capacity. Ascorbic acid was used as the standard. In all the models studied, the extracts showed potent antioxidant activity, thereby augmenting it into the present day system of medicine.