Evaluation of in vitro Free Radical Scavenging Potential and Inhibition of Glutathione-S-transferase activity in Tasar Waste Products

Investigations were conducted on free radical scavenging potential and inhibition of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity of methanolic extracts of tasar silk waste such as fresh pupae, boiled pupae, cut cocoons and litters of tasar silkworm (Antheraea mylitta D.). Tests used to measure the free radical scavenging potential of silk waste extracts included 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide scavenging, hydroxyl scavenging and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPX) levels. The total phenolic and tannic acid contents were quantified in methanolic extracts of silk waste. Antioxidant activities determined were compared with synthetic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ascorbic acid (ASA). The antioxidant activities in different samples showed the following order: fresh pupae > boiled pupae > cut cocoons > litter. The phenolic and tannic acid contents were more in litter as compared to other samples. Further, litter extract has higher glutathione-s-transferase inhibition capacity. The results suggest that the extracts of tasar waste products contain various natural antioxidants which may be useful for curing diseases associated with oxidative damages.