Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Aralia Cachemirica Decne.: A Comparative Study

Abstract Background: Aralia cachemirica Decne. is an important medicinal plant species of Kashmir Himalaya. Regardless of having enormous medicinal importance little information exists on the biological activities of the species. For this reason, present work was carried out for providing comprehensive details on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of different parts of A. cachemirica.Methods: In this connection, different parts (leaves, stem and root) of the plant were examined following standard methodologies. Antioxidant potential of the plant was determined by three different standard methodologies viz. DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power activity and metal chelating activity. For anti-inflammatory activities two different standard methods viz. human RBC membrane stabilization method and protein denaturation method were followed.Results: The extracts exhibited concentration dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities but were weaker than the standards. Also, the highest activities were recorded in the root and least in the leaves. Also, the highest activities were recorded in the leaves and least in the stem.Conclusion: This is the first study providing information regarding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of different parts of the species. The antioxidant activity of the extract could have great importance as therapeutic agents in preventing or slowing the progress of aging and age associated, oxidative stress related degenerative diseases. Plant derived anti-inflammatory agents are competent cure for inflammation caused by a range of agents, which shows the way to their soaring requirement. Exploitation of these agents requires to be regulated in order, to be sustainable and keep up with demands.