Evaluation of free-radical quenching properties of standard Ayurvedic formulation Vayasthapana Rasayana

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cellular damage induced by free-radicals like Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (ROS and RNS) has been implicated in several disorders and diseases, including ageing. Hence naturally occurring anti-oxidant rich-herbs play a vital role in combating these conditions. The present study was carried out to investigate the <it>in vitro </it>free-radical quenching capacity of a known <it>Ayurvedic </it>poly-herbal formulation called <it>Vayasthapana Rasayana.</it></p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Methanol extracts of <it>Vayasthapana Rasayana </it>formulation (VRF) were studied for <it>in vitro </it>total antioxidant activity along with phenolic content and reducing power. <it>In vitro </it>assays like DPPH, FRAP, ABTS scavenging to evaluate radical quenching potential were performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The formulation has shown 94% at 0.1 mg/ml DPPH free-radical scavenging activity as against 84% at 0.1 mg/ml for standard ascorbic acid (IC₅₀value 5.51 μg/ml for VRF and 39 μg/ml for standard). It has a significant higher ferric reducing potential also (OD 0.87 at 700 nm & 0.21 at 0.1 mg/ml for VRF and standard, respectively). The total phenolic content (gallic acid equivalent) of the VRF is 8.3 mg per g of dry mass. Total antioxidant capacity of the formulation, estimated by FRAP was 1150 ± 5 μM Fe(II)/g dry mass. ABTS radical scavenging activity of VRF was 69.55 ± 0.21% at 100 μg/ml concentration with a IC₅₀value of 69.87 μg/ml as against 9% and 95% by ascorbic acid and Trolox (at 70.452 μg/ml and 0.250 μg/ml concentrations, respectively).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In Indian traditional <it>Ayurvedic </it>system, use of VRF is in regular practice for mainly combating age-related disorders and diseases as many of the components of the <it>Rasayana </it>are known for their free-radical scavenging activity. This study has validated the potential use of VRF as an anti-oxidant to fight age-related problems.</p