Standardization of free radical scavenging activity of some indigenous medicinal plants by using thin layer chromatography

Thin layer chromatography is basically used to separate out plants active constituents, various dyes and chemical analysis. The present study is designed to find out free radical scavenging property with the help of thin layer chromatography. For conducting this experiment 15 medicinal plants of local region were selected. Collected plants were shade dried, grind to a coarse powder and subjected to extraction with Soxhlet apparatus followed by concentration under reduced pressure by rotatory evaporator. The Methanolic plant extract was dissolved in methanol and 1µl of extract of 50mg/ml concentration was spotted on the aluminum silica plate (1.05554.0007 spectrum, Merck Germany). It was then subjected to run in Toluene: ethyl acetate (70:20) solvent mobile phase. Run plate was removed, dried and calculated Rf values for every separated active constituent. The developed plate sprayed with DPPH (free radical scavenger) reagent at 0.1mM concentration and kept for drying few minutes. After drying the zone of inhibition seen in developing plate. Formation of zone of inhibition is due to the reaction between hydroxyl ions of DPPH and test plant extracts. Results revealed that 5 plants like Azadirachta indica leaves, Dalbergia sissoo leaves, Citrus medica leaves, Ocimum sanctum leaves and Prunus persica leaves were showed good free radical scavenging activity out of 15 medicinal plants. From the above, it can be concluded that plants having good free radical scavenging property can be used as formation of medicine to preventing ageing and for other stressful condition.