Abstract

PROXIMATE, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND INVITRO ANTIOXIDANTS ANALYSIS OF PHYLLANTHUS AMARUS

J.Suguna Bai*, M.Jayaraj, T.Karpagam, R. Roy Rajakumari

Abstract

ROS are chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen have important roles in cell signalling and homeostasis. It also causes, damage of DNA, lipid peroxidation, oxidation of amino acids in proteins, oxidatively inactivate specific enzymes by oxidation of cofactors. Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance between the systemic manifestation of reactive oxygen species and a biological system which has the ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates or to repair the resulting damage. An antioxidant is a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecule. Substances that can reduce the damage by free radicals are known as antioxidants. Types of antioxidants include enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Many of these phytochemicals have beneficial effects on long-term health when consumed by humans, and can be used effectively to treat diseases. Phyllanthus amarus is one such medicinal plant enriched with antioxidants and macronutrients like iron calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and copper. Primary metabolites like total carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, and cellulose and secondary metabolites like phenol were present. Enzymatic antioxidants like SOD, CAT, NO and non enzymatic like Ascorbic acid, carotenoids were found. Being enriched with macronutrients and primary metabolites along with antioxidants this plant could be used for herbal nutraceuticals.

Keywords: Antioxidants, Macronutrients, micronutrients, ROS