A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF BORASSUS FLABELLIFER SAP COLLECTED FROM KANYAKUMARI AND TIRUNELVELI DISTRICTS

Abstract

1. flabellifer sap was used in folk medicine for multiple purposes, such as a stimulant, anti

laprotic, diuretic and antiphlogistic. The fruits are stomachic, sedative, laxative and aphrodisiac in

nature useful in hyperdipsia, dyspepsia, flatulence, skin diseases, haemorrhages, fever and general

debility. The fresh pulp is reportedly rich in vitamins A and C while the fresh sap is a good source of

vitamin B-complex. Antioxidants that scavenge these reactive oxygen species and free radicals are of

major importance in preventing the onset and progression of many diseases caused by oxidative

stress.The aim of this study is to examine the antioxidant property of Borassus flabellifer L.sap

collected from two different localities of South India viz., Kanyakumari District and Tirunelveli

District. The dietary phytophenolics like flavonoids and phenolic acids have been recognized largely as

beneficial antioxidants that can scavenge harmful active oxygen species, including O2 -, H2O2, - OH,

and O2. The results reported that while analysing antioxidant properties, both ABTS and DPPH radical

scavenging assays demonstrated the antioxidant potential of the sap. With this, the samples collected

from Kanyakumari showed higher activity compared to the Palmyra sap sample from Tirunelveli,

suggesting the saps pharmacological nature.