Evaluation of Free Radical Scavenging Activities of Aqueous Extracts of Fruits of Ziziphus mauritiana and Eriobotrya japonica Through in vitro Antioxidant Assays

Objectives: The present study was planned to evaluate the antioxidant activities of two Indian fruits, Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) and Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) using standard in vitro antioxidant methods and determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents in both the fruits. Methods: Antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH and chelating power assays. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined spectrophotometrically. Results: Ziziphus mauritiana extract showed higher DPPH radical scavenging activity than Eriobotrya japonica. Both fruits contain significant amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Conclusion: It was observed that aqueous extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana and Eriobotrya japonica showed dose dependent response in DPPH assay, and no antioxidant activity was observed in chelating power assay.