Global Journal of Pharmacology 5 (1): 27-32, 2011 ISSN 1992-0075 © IDOSI Publications, 2011 Corresponding Author: Ekramul Haque , Department of Pharmacy,BRAC University, 66-Mohakhali, Dhka-1212, Bangladesh. Tel: +8801711952286, E-mail: haque_md.ekramul@yahoo.com. 27 In vitro Free Radical Scavenging and Thrombolytic Activities of Bangladeshi Aquatic Plant Aponogeton undulatus Roxb Nargis S. Chowdhury, M. Badrul Alam, A.S.M. Tanbirul Haque, 1 2 3 Ronok Zahan, M. Ehsanul H. Mazumder and M. Ekramul Haque 2 4 5 Department of Pharmacy, Manarat International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh 1 Department of Pharmacy, Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology, Banani, Dhaka, Bangladesh 2 Department of Agribusiness, 3 Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology, Banani, Dhaka, Bangladesh Discipline of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Cumberland Campus, University of Sydney, Australia 4 Department of Pharmacy, BRAC University, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh 5 Abstract: Investigation with the crude methanolic extract of Aponogeton undulatus was carried out to evaluate its possible antioxidant and thrombolysis activity. In DPPH free radical scavenging assay, the extract exhibited potent antioxidant activity with a IC values of 2.43±1.06 μg/ml while in ascorbic acid, the value become 50 2.14±0.11 μg/ml. In thrombolytic activity using in vitro clot lysis assay method, the crude methanolic extract was found to have significant (p<0.001) thrombolytic activity at a dose of 10 mg/ml with a miximum effect of 20.23±1.56% while the standard streptokinase showed 46.13±3.87%. The extract was also investigated for its antibacterial and toxic potentiality using agar diffusion and Brine Shrimp lethality bioassay, respectively. The highest antibacterial effect was shown against Bacillus cereus (zone of inhibition 12±0.65 mm) followed by Escherichia coli (zone of inhibition 10±0.71 mm). In this bioassay the extract showed significant toxicity to Brine Shrimp nauplii with the LC value of 2.24±0.98 μg/ml. The study clearly indicated that the extract 50 possesses good antioxidant and thromolytic activity along with broad spectrum antibacterial and toxic potentiality. Key words: Free radical %Thrombolysis %Aponogeton undulatus %Toxicity INTRODUCTION Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a common Free radicals cause depletion of immune system mortality [4, 5]. Heparin, an anticoagulating agent, is the antioxidants, change in gene expression and induce first line of treatment for CVST, because of its efficacy, abnormal proteins and contribute to more than one safety and feasibility [6]. Thrombolytic drugs like tissue hundred disorders in humans including atherosclerosis, plasminogen activator (t-PA), urokinase, streptokinase arthritis, ischemia and reperfusion injury of many tissues, etc. play a crucial role in the management of patients with central nervous system injury, gastritis, cancer and AIDS CVST [7]. [1, 2]. Undoubtedly, in vivo suppression of free radicals Plants produce wide array of bioactive principles and is important for the human body to eliminate the toxicity constitute a rich source of medicines. In many developing induced by free radicals. For several years, many countries, traditional medicine is one of the primary health researchers have been investigated powerful and nontoxic care systems [8, 9]. Large scale evaluation of the local antioxidants from natural sources, especially edible or flora exploited in traditional medicine for various medicinal plants to prevent the free radical related biological activities is therefore necessary. Isolation and disorders in human, which replaces the synthetic characterization of the bioactive principles ultimately compounds because of their probable carcinogenic leading to new drug development. In view of this, activity which are harmful to the lungs and liver [3]. our attention has been focused particularly disorder which accompanied by significant morbidity and