PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND IN VITRO FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITIES OF MEDICAGO SATIVA SEEDS

Phytochemical analysis and in vitro free radical scavenging activities were analyzed in the various extracts of Medicago sativa seeds. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, phytosterols, tannins, terpenoids and phenols. Among the various extracts, phytochemicals were extracted best in ethanol. Free radical scavenging activities such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, superoxide, 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulphonic acid) (ABTS), ferrous ion chleating activity and non radicals such as hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide were analyzed in the various extracts of Medicago sativa seeds and were compared with standard antioxidant ascorbic acid. All the extracts of Medicago sativa seeds scavenged the free radicals in a concentration dependent manner. The antioxidative activity of all the extracts was found to be more pronounced than that of the standard antioxidant ascorbic acid. Among the various extracts, the antioxidant activity was found to be more pronounced in ethanolic extract of Medicago sativa seeds