ISSN: 2319-8753 International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology (An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization) Vol. 3, Issue 6, June 2014 Copyright to IJIRSET www.ijirset.com 13649 Antioxidant Potential of Coal Extracted Humic Acid on In-Vitro Propagation of Musa Accuminata: A Comparison Study with Humic Rooting and Keradix S. Dhanapal 1 , D. Sathish Sekar 2 Research Scholar, Department of Biotechnology, St. Peter’s Institute of Higher Education and Research, St. Peter’s University, Avadi, Chennai, T.N, India 1 AssistantProfessor and Head, Department of Biotechnology, Arignar Anna College (Arts & Science), Krishnagiri, T.N India 2 , ABSTRACT: Humic acid is a principal component of Humic substances, which are the major organic constituents of soil (humus), peat, coal, many upland streams, dystrophic lakes, and ocean water. It is produced by biodegradation of dead organic matter. Leonardite act as a best source for humic acid.The antioxidant activity of coal extracted humic acid (CHA) on in vitro propagated Musa accuminata was examined with commercially available Keradix (KHA), Humic Rooting (BHA). The Polyphenols was found to be higher in native plants of about 146.2μg/ml whereas in CHA it is 54μg/ml. Similarly the amount of protein in BHA is found to be 7μg/ml and CHA is 2.65μg/ml. The catalase activity was found to be higher in BHA is 0.09 U/mg compared to CHA which is estimated as 0.048 U/mg. GST was measured and it was found to be significantly increased in CHA of 582.99 U/mg compared with other commercially available products. The Ascorbic acid Peroxidase activity was higher in Keradix of about 725.31 U/mg APX. The SOD activity was inhibited higher in CHA of about 41.34%. KEYWORDS: Antioxidant activity, Humic Acid, Humic Rooting, Leonardite, Keradix, Musa accuminata, I. INTRODUCTION The term “humus” has been familiar for over two hundred years. Humus is a transformation product of the vegetable as well as animal remains, which are resistant to further decomposition than the initial biomass. The process of dead organic matter decomposition in the soil does not come to its completion but stops at a certain stage, when simple decomposition products such as phenols, carbohydrates, and amino-acids transform into much more complex compounds - the humic acids. in order to ensure fertility of the soil, its humus content should be rather high [21]. Humic substances are the naturally occurring organic materials and they result from the decomposition of plant and animal residues [18]. They contain an acidic group carboxy and a phenol OH functional groups [11]. Leonardite is substance known for its soft waxy, black or brown, shiny, vitreous mineraloid texture and that is easily soluble in alkaline solutions. It is an oxidation product of lignite. Leonardite is a rich source of humic acid (up to 90%)used as a soil conditioner, as a stabilizer for ion-exchange resins in water treatment, in the remediation of polluted environments and as a drilling additive [13]. Leonardite is highly rich in humic acids when compared to other organic products. The reason behind it is because the properties of leonardite are highly bioactive through its molecular structure. It acts as a biocatalyst and biostimulant to the plant. They are spread widely over the surface of the earth and occur in almost every terrestrial and aquatic environments [2]. They group into humic and non humic substances. The non humic substances are again grouped by its characteristic which are physical and chemical. They include carbohydrates, peptides proteins, fats, waxes, amino acids and low molecular weight organic acids [26]. The production by excess transfer energy from triplet excited chlorophyll to oxygen (singlet oxygen formation) or photoreduction of oxygen (formation of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical) [19] we result in the