Unfolding the antioxidative and free radicals scavenging potential of stem bark of the wonder tree, Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce: An in vitro approach

Objective: The present experimental investigation was conducted to unravel and analyze the antioxidant potential of sequential extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, hydroethanol, and aqueous) of Prosopis cineraria. Materials and Methods: Quantitative assays for estimating content of phytochemicals (phenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, tannins, and saponins), in vitro antioxidant and free radicals scavenging assays were performed. Reducing power capability of various extracts was done. The research investigated and calculated the half-inhibitory concentration (i.e., IC50) values for various sequential extracts. Results: The research study revealed that hydroethanol extracts showed maximum antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging potential in contrast to other extracts. Hydroethanol extracts of the stem bark of the studied plant had comparatively lower IC50 values in comparison to other extracts. Quantitative measurements of phytoconstituents also revealed that the plant extracts are rich in bioactive constituents and antioxidants. Conclusions: This investigation would encourage researchers toward the extracts of stem bark of P. cineraria, which have significant antioxidative potential. The plant extracts can be further explored for understanding the mechanism underlying the free radicals scavenging, by conducting in vivo studies.