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Indian traditional Paan is being used as a post meal
digestive stimulant, astringent, aphrodisiac, nerve tonic, intoxicating agent
and for several other purposes in India and is recommended in ancient
scriptures of Ayurveda for normal well being. These properties might be due to
the antioxidant nature of Paan. Hence,
50% methanol extracts of Paan and its
ingredients were screened for antioxidant activity using DPPH method. Catechu,
rose powder, betel nut and clove extracts exhibited potent antioxidant
properties. Extracts of Paan, betel
leaves and fennel showed moderate antioxidant activity. These results confirm
the common beliefs and traditional uses of Paan
in Indian tradition.
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