Manimaran et al, IJPSR, 2014; Vol. 5(9): 3674-3678. E-ISSN: 0975-8232; P-ISSN: 2320-5148 International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 3674 IJPSR (2014), Vol. 5, Issue 9 (Research Article) Received on 27 February, 2014; received in revised form, 23 April, 2014; accepted, 23 May, 2014; published 01 September, 2014 BIOEFFICACY OF PREMNA CORYMBOSA ROTTL. (VERBANACEAE) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ITS ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY A. Manimaran * 1 , M. Mary Jee Jee Cruz 1 , S. Subha 1 and P. Arumugam 2 Department of Biotechnology, Aarupadai Veedu Institute of Technology 1 , Vinayaka Mission University, Paiyanoor, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. Armats Biotek Training and Research Institute 2 , Maduvankarai, Guindy, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. ABSTRACT: In the present investigation, the bioefficacy of an indigenous plant was investigated with special reference to its antioxidant potential. Antioxidant effects of Methanolic, Chloroform and Ethyl acetate extracts of the leaves of Premna corymbosa Rottl. (family Verbanaceae) were tested on the basis of DPPH (1, 1- diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl), phosphomolybdenium assay, super oxide radical scavenging activity and metal chelating activity. Results pertaining to the present investigation clearly indicate that the methanol extract of the P. corymbosa showed strong antioxidant activities than the other solvent extracts. This study has made it clear that Premna corymbosa is an effective anti oxidant. Such extracts could be more widely used in developing countries for prevention and treatment of cancer. These extracts may be considered as good sources for drug discovery. INTRODUCTION: Plants develop several antioxidants that aid in antioxidant defense system, protecting plants against damage caused by active O2 formed due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Certain seaweeds also function as antioxidants. Our daily diet contains vegetables, fruits, tea, wine, etc. which possess compounds rich in anti oxidative properties 1 . Dietary antioxidants reduce the free radical formation as well as oxidative stress and reduce the possibility of cardiovascular diseases 2 . QUICK RESPONSE CODE DOI: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.5(9).3674-78 Article can be accessed online on: www.ijpsr.com DOI link: http://dx.doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.5(9).3674-78 Several compounds such as phenolic diterpenoids- camosol, rosmanol, camosoic acid, etc. obtained from several aromatic plants possess strong antioxidant properties. Today there are at least 120 distinct chemical substances derived from plants that are considered as important drugs currently in use in one or more countries in the world. Several of the drugs sold today are simple synthetic modifications or copies of the naturally obtained substances. Many European countries, including Germany, regulate herbal products as drugs and pharmaceutical companies prepare plant based drugs simply by extracting out the active chemicals from the plants (eg, cynarin, silymarin). Plants have evolved the ability to synthesize chemical compounds that help them defend against attack from a wide variety of predators such as insects, fungi and herbivorous mammals. By chance, some of these compounds, whilst being toxic to plant Keywords: Premna corymbosa, antioxidant activity, DPPH assay, Chelating activity, Radical Scavenging Activity. Correspondence to Author: A. Manimaran Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology , Aarupadai Veedu Institute of Technology, Vinayaka Mission University, Paiyanoor, Chennai, Tamilnadu- 603 104, India. E-mail: mailtomanimaaran@gmail.com