Background: Antioxidant plays a key role in preventing and scavenging free radicals providing safeguard to humans against diseases. Recent research has been directed towards “Natural antioxidants” from the herbal plants due to safe therapeutic potential. Information pertaining tothe antioxidant properties of entire plant of the Cynodon dactylon is very less. The present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant properties of entire plant of Cynodon dactylon. Method: The powdered crude drugs were extracted with hydro-alcoholic solvent by Soxhlet apparatus. The antioxidant potential along with the phytochemical screening was assessed. Results: Phytochemical screening of the plant showed the presence of flavonoids tannins, steroids, saponins, glycosides and alkaloids. The HPLC analysis showed the presence bioactive polyphenolic flavonoids. The antioxidant nature of the plant was confirmed by its ABTS radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging potential, Nitric oxide free radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant level. Conclusion: The entire plant of Cynodon dactylon is a natural source of antioxidant substances of high importance, which might be effective as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of various diseases.
Key words: Cynodon dactylon, Entire plant, Antioxidants, Hydroalcoholic, Flavonoid, ABTS, Hydroxyl radical.
