Abstract

IN-VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF POLY HERBAL SIDDHA FORMULATION BRAHMI NEI

S. Karthik Nagarajan*, M. Praveen, S. Nagalakshmi, Radhiga Madhavan, V. Mahalakshmi and N. J. Muthu Kumar

Abstract

Siddha system of medicine is a renowned holistic system of traditional medicine emphasizing curative and preventive measures. The medicines used in siddha are of plant origin, metals, minerals and animal products. Kaya-karpam (Elixir science) is a treasure for the siddha system as they improvise the longevity of life through their anti-oxidant activities. Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, thereby leading to chain reactions that may damage the cells of organisms and leads to development of certain disease like cancer, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, ageing, and inflammatory diseases etc., In ancient time, the term Antioxidant has been clearly described in Siddha system of medicine as Kaya Karpam (Rejuvenation Therapy). The Kaaya Karpam helps to prevent the risk of disease development and ageing. Brahmi nei (BN) is a poly herbal Siddha preparation mentioned in ancient Siddha literature. The present study is aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effect of BN. In this study DPPH, Nitric Oxide and ABTS radical scavenging studies were performed. The results of this study shows that the percentages of inhibition in DPPH, Nitric Oxide and ABTS radical scavenging studies are 42.19 % (standard drug Ascorbic acid -83.99 %), 45.16 % (Gallic acid – 89.18 %) and 63.79 % (Gallic acid – 92.78 %) respectively and thus, findings provide evidence that BN could be a potential source of natural antioxidant and it may be used as rejuvenating medicine for vast therapeutic effects, gives a powerful body, mind and soul with long-lasting life.

Keywords: Antioxidant, Brahmi nei, Siddha Medicine, Kaya karpam, Kaya kalpam.