COMPARATIVE STUDY ON ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL AND ANTICATARACT ACTIVITY OF CYPERUS ROTUNDUS AND CYAMOPSIS TETRAGONOLOBUS

Abstract

In this study, the ethanolic extracts of rhizome of Cyperus rotundus and fruits of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus
were prepared by successive extraction procedure and subsequently both the extracts were evaluated for its
phytoconstituents. Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of phenol, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and
phlobatannins in both the extracts. Saponin was present only in C. rotundus and cardiac glycoside was present
in C. tetragonolobus alone. The extracts were evaluated for its in vitro antioxidant property by 1, 1-diphenyl
2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay, sodium nitroprusside generated nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide
anion free radical scavenging methods. The reducing power of the extract was determined by potassium
ferricyanide. The anticataract potential of both extracts in glucose-induced cataractogenesis in vitro was
studied using lens from Lutjanus campechanus. The lens was subjected to estimation of biochemical parameters
and antioxidant enzymes. A rise in malondialdehyde and hydroperoxide was observed in cataract-induced
lens as compared to control lens. Decrease in protein, glutathione and vitamin C level was noted in cataractous
lens. A significant restoration in superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity was found
in the lenses treated with extracts. Both the extracts prevent or delay cataract development by virtue of its
antioxidant properties. C. rotundus was found to be more effective in preventing cataract and it may be due to
its higher phenol and flavonoid content.