Abstract:
Polyherbal formulations are used in Ayurveda, to treat illnesses, in which
various ratios of herbs and other solid and oil constituents are mixed in minute
amounts. The two prominent polyherbal formulations utilized by locals for
medical ailments are Buddharaja Kalka (BK) and Desadun Kalka (DK). Even
though there are published studies analyzing the therapeutic effects of
polyherbal formulations, no evidence has been reported regarding their
bioactivities. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the antioxidant activity of
BK and DK compared to a positive standard. Both Kalka were purchased from
a local Ayurvedic store, extracted with ethyl acetate and the solvent was
evaporated using a rotary evaporator. The antioxidant activities were
evaluated using phosphomolybdenum assay and DPPH free radical
scavenging assay. In addition, total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC)
contents were estimated. A higher TPC was observed for DK (34.84±0.72 mg
GAE/g extract) than that of the BK (10.22±0.18 mg GAE/g extract), and the
highest TFC was present in DK (159.77±0.98 mg GAE/ g extract). The total
antioxidant capacity based on phosphomolybdenum assay displayed a higher
value in DK (303.33±2.07 mg AE/g extract) than in BK (210.00±1.67 mg
AE/g extract). Further, higher DPPH free radical scavenging activity was
observed in DK. Interestingly, both BK and DK showed higher antioxidant
activity than the positive control butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) with IC50
values of 23.082±1.547 mg/mL, 28.308±1.102 mg/mL and 34.044±1.557
mg/mL respectively. Hence, DK and BK could be used as potential free radical
scavengers.
