ABSTRACT

Biomolecules can be oxidized by free radicals. This oxidative damage has an important etiological role in aging and the development of diseases like cancer, atherosclerosis, and other inflammatory disorders. Synthetic antioxidants, such as butylated hydroxyl anisole, are good free radical scavengers; however, they can be carcinogenic. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in searching for antioxidants of natural origin. Acacia nilotica has a versatile medicinal value as folk medicine. The present study aims at screening the methanol and aqueous extracts of the pods of Acacia nilotica for antioxidant activity. The effect of these extracts on inhibition of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide radicals and of lipid peroxidation was studied. The results indicated that both the extracts exhibited a significant reduction in the DPPH and NO radical production along with a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation. The results indicate the pods of Acacia nilotica to be a cheap and easily available source of antioxidants