N Save Nature to Survive 8(2): 689-693, 2013 (Supplement on Medicinal plants) www.thebioscan.in 689 HEMOLYTIC ACTIVITY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCREENING OF TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA AMIT KUMAR, MANOJ KUMAR, SUKUMAR DANDAPAT AND M. P. SINHA* Department of Zoology, Ranchi University, Ranchi - 834 008 e-mail: m_psinha@yahoo.com INTRODUCTION The oxidative property of oxygen has a double-edged property, being essential for life; it also exacerbates the damage within the cell by oxidative events (Sen et al., 2010) which is due to free oxygen radical (Gerschman et al., 1954). Now it is established that free oxygen radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as reactive nitrogen species (RNS), are products of normal cellular metabolism, and play dual role as in being beneficial at low/moderate concentrations by involvement in physiological roles such as cellular response to noxia, in defense against infectious agents and in the functioning of a number of cellular signaling pathways (Valko et al., 2007). In higher quantities however, these free radicals react with membrane lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, enzymes and other bio-molecules, resulting in cellular damage (Shivaprasad et al., 2005). These free radicals are generated within the body by various endogenous pathways, like consumption of O 2 by mitochondria during aerobic respiration, phagocytosis of infected cells, degradation of fatty acids and natural toxins; as well as the exogenous interferences, like exposure to sources of low-wavelength electromagnetic radiations, such as gamma- rays (Krishnaiah et al., 2007). Naturally occurring antioxidants in body are uric acid, some proteins, ascorbic acid and vitamin E, which contribute 58, 21, 14 and 7% respectively to plasma antioxidant capacity (Wayner et al., 1987; Niki, 2010). When the rate of generation of free radicals surpasses their rate of neutralization by the endogenous antioxidants (Krishnaiah et al. , 2007), the condition is referred to as oxidative stress (Sen et al., 2010). Oxidative stress have been reported to be involved in pathogenesis of various disorders and diseases (Niki, 2010) which is counteracted by other oxidants and the natural antioxidants contained in food, fruits, beverages, and spices. Various synthetic antioxidants have also been prepared from pharmacological viewpoint (Niki, 2010). T. cordifolia (Menispermaceae) is a deciduous climbing shrub distributedthroughout the tropical Indian subcontinent (Srivastava, 2011) and has been studied for its immunomodulatory, anti-allergic rhinitis, anti-ulcer, anti- hyperglycemic, cardioprotective, chemopreventive, hepatoprotective, hypolipidaemic, neuroprotective and radioprotective actions and against obstructive jaundice (Thatte, et al., 1992; Dhuley, 1997; Grover et al., 2000; Stanley et al., 2000; Premanath and Lakshmidevi, 2010; Megraj et al., 2011). The role of oxidative stress is quite evident in most of the disorders (Valko et al., 2007). But there is paucity of information on antioxidant property of the plant. Apart from this, the scientific assessment of pharmacological parameters is also imperative for acceptance of the herbal health claims. With this background the antioxidant properties of Tinospora cordifolia stem extracts, along with its phytochemical, pharmacological and nutraceutical properties have been studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS Collection of plant material The fresh mature parts of stem were collected, chopped, dried in shade under room temperature for six to seven days and then crushed into coarse powder using electric grinder. The powder was sieved to get fine powder using fine plastic sieve which was stored in air tight bottle in the laboratory until ABSTRACT The communication deals with the antioxidant activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Tinospora cordifolia stem, along with the phytochemical, pharmacological, nutraceutical properties and hemolytic activity. Methanolic extract showed better antioxidant efficacy than the BHA standard. Reducing power of the extract showed concentration dependence. Lipid peroxidation inhibition was not significant. Methanolic extract showed significant DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC 50 = 0.5 mg/mL), while the superoxide radical scavenging activity of the methanolic extract was mild and showed concentration dependence. The phytochemical analysis showed high amount of total ash content, i.e. 11.3 ± 1.4 mg/g. Total phenol, tannin and flavonoids contents were 17.3 ± 0.4, 13.8 ± 0.5 and 6.5 ± 0.2 mg/g respectively which fall under moderate range. Crude fiber and moisture contents (231 ± 3.2 and 214 ± 5.3 mg/g respectively) as well as carbohydrate content (184.1 ± 5.2 mg/g) and nutritive value (1.46 ± 0.3 cal/g) were significantly high. T. cordifolia stem showed high swelling and foaming indices, 400 ± 3.5% and 111.12 ± 2.1% respectively, which is an indication of good drug release characteristics. Present findings suggest Tinospora cordifolia as potential source of natural antioxidant, fiber and nutrient content in food, fodder and pharmaceutical industries. KEYWORDS Antioxidant TAC Tinospora cordifolia Hemolytic activity Received on : 21.03.2012 Accepted on : 07.07.2012 *Corresponding author