Abstract

Neelofar Khanam* and G. K. Sharma

ABSTRACT

As oxygen is an indispensable part of aerobic life. The production of oxygen free radicals is a natural consequence of aerobic metabolism. However, under certain circumstances, it can seriously affect our well being through the formation of reactive oxygen species, representing both free radicals and non-free radical species. Any free radical involving oxygen can be referred to as Reactive Oxygen Species or ROS. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are necessary for various physiological functions but an imbalance in favour of reactive oxygen species results in oxidative stress (OS). Recently there has been an upsurge of interest in the therapeutic potential medicinal plants as antioxidants in reducing oxidative stress-induced tissue injury and damages rather than looking for synthetic ones. Several naturally occurring antioxidants are there to scavenge free radicals and active oxygen species by propagating a reaction cycle. In current study hydrogen peroxide and super oxide free radical scavenging activities of in vivo grown and in vitro propagated Aloe vera L. whole leaf and only gel extracts were tested. final results were showing that among the various extracts (prepared with the solvents of different polarities such as aqueous, methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform and n-hexane) of in vivo and in vitro regenerated Aloe vera L. whole leaf and only gel, methanol extracts with in vitro regenerated Aloe vera L. leaves (only gel extract followed by whole leaf extract) were showing the highest free radical scavenging potentials.