Antioxidant activity of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Calotropis procera

Plants are reported to have anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In the present study, hydroalcoholic extract of Calotropis gigantea was investigated for its antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity was determined in vitro by reducing power, DPPH and nitric oxide method. Hydroalcoholic extract of Calotropis procera shown significant antioxidant activity. Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) commonly known as akado and wild growing tropical plant, which possesses number of medicinal properties. It is reported to contain cardiac glycosides, β-sitosterol, madrine, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, trisecharoides and flavonols. The plant has been used for various disease conditions, including leprosy, ulcers, tumours and piles. Various pharmacological activities reported like antifertility, anti-inflammatory activity, hepatoprotective activity, antimyocardial infraction activity and antidiarrhoeal activity.