Biochemistry & Analytical Biochemistry

Abstract

Ferric Reducing, Anti-radical and Cytotoxic Activities of Tinospora cordifolia Stem Extracts

Amit Kumar Sharma, Shashank Kumar and Abhay K. Pandey

Introduction: Tinospora cordifolia (Menispermaceae) is used as folk remedy against many diseases. This work reports the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of T. cordifolia stem extracts. Materials and Methods: Dried samples were sequentially extracted in different solvents. Antioxidant activity was determined by using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), β-carotene bleaching and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. Cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines was determined by SRB assay. Results: Chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, and ethyl alcohol extracts demonstrated higher FRAP values (4981-6568 μmol ferrous sulphate equivalent/mg). Aqueous, ethyl alcohol and chloroform extracts showed better β- carotene bleaching inhibition potential (zone of inhibition 15mm). Acetone and ethyl alcohol extracts accounted for moderate (48% and 53%, respectively) lipid peroxidation inhibition in rat liver homogenate. Aqueous fraction of stem exhibited potent cytotoxic activity (67-99%) against prostate, lung and colon cancer cell lines. Conclusion: The study showed that T. cordifolia stem has considerable potential as antioxidant and cytotoxic agents.