Evaluation of antioxidant activities of Bergenia ciliata rhizome

The study was aimed to evaluate antioxidant activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb.rhizome. Total phenolic content was determined in both extracts. Free radical (DPPH● and ●OH) scavenging potential of the extracts revealed that both extracts to be active radical scavengers. Reducing (Fe+3-Fe+2) power and lipid peroxidation inhibition efficiency (TBARS assay) of both extracts were also evaluated and both extracts showed promising activity in preventing lipid peroxidation and might prevent oxidative damages to biomolecules. Furthermore, the ability of the extracts to protect DNA (pBR322) against UV-induced photolysed H2O2 – oxidative damage was analysed. Both the extracts were able to protect DNA from oxidative damage.  The results obtained suggest that extracts of B. ciliata have promising therapeutic potential and could be considered as  potential source for drug development by pharmaceutical industries.