Evaluation of In vitro antioxidant activity of Terminalia bellerica

Oxidative stress caused by free radicals plays a critical role in various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and liver disorders. Antioxidants counteract these free radicals, offering protection against their harmful effects. Terminalia bellerica, a medicinal plant known for its diverse pharmacological properties, was investigated for its in vitro antioxidant potential. Various extracts of T. bellerica were analyzed using different antioxidant assays, including DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS assay, superoxide scavenging, and metal chelation. The study found that the methanolic extract exhibited the highest yield and potent free radical scavenging activity, followed by the methanol-water fraction. Ethyl acetate extract showed significant antioxidant activity, although its yield was relatively lower. The metal chelation ability was most pronounced in the aqueous extract. The findings suggest that the high phenolic content in T. bellerica contributes to its antioxidant properties. This study supports the potential use of T. bellerica as a natural antioxidant, which could be explored further for therapeutic applications in oxidative stress-related diseases.