EVALUATING THE ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SACCHARUM SPONTANEUM LINN EXTRACT: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Saccharum spontaneum Linn., commonly known as wild sugarcane, is a traditionally used medicinal plant with potential pharmacological properties. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of Saccharum spontaneum Linn. extract using different free radical scavenging assays. The antioxidant potential of the extract was assessed by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay, nitric oxide radical scavenging assay, and hypochlorous acid scavenging assay. The ability of the extract to neutralize these reactive species was evaluated at different concentrations, and the scavenging activity was determined based on the reduction in radical formation. The extract demonstrated concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in the tested models, indicating its ability to scavenge free radicals and reactive oxidizing species. The observed antioxidant potential may be attributed to the presence of various phytoconstituents capable of donating hydrogen atoms or electrons. Overall, the findings suggest that Saccharum spontaneum Linn. possesses promising antioxidant activity and may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidant compounds.