In vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Stemona tuberosa Lour

C. Malsawmtluangi , H. Lalhlenmawia and Mevareen Rynjah

Science Vision 26 (1), 18-26 | Published on 11 June 2026 | https://doi.org/10.33493/scivis.26.01.04

Abstract

The study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of a traditionally used medicinal plant, Stemona tuberosa. The roots of the S. tuberosa were processed for chemical extraction with a hydro-alcoholic solution. Phytochemical screening was done to evaluate the secondary metabolite constituents. In vitro antioxidant activity was assessed by different methods such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging method and reducing power capacity. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were also determined. In vivo antioxidant activity was performed on 36 male rats, randomly divided into six groups, and then treated with different antioxidant drugs and the plant extract. Oxidative stress was induced in Group 2 to Group 6 animals with streptozotocin (STZ). On the 15th day, the animals were sacrificed, and biochemical analysis was done to estimate the antioxidant parameters. The hydro-alcoholic extracts of the plant contained alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids, steroids, triterpenoids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins and volatile oils. Antioxidant activity was exhibited by the plant extract with the IC50 of 0.048 mg/ml and 0.051 mg/ml in DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity respectively. The reducing power of the extract showed concentration-dependent antioxidant reaction. The total phenolic compounds detected in the plant extract was 170.85 mg/g dry weight expressed as gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and flavonoids content was 83.3 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g dry weight. In in vivo study, the extract showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced Glutathione (GSH) level while there is a significant decrease (P<0.05) in Malondialdehyde (MDA) level. This study suggests that the hydro-alcoholic extract of S. tuberosa exhibited antioxidant activity. In vitro tests indicated a good antioxidant reaction and the presence of strong antioxidant compounds. In vivo experiments further revealed powerful antioxidant enzyme functions. Thus, the usefulness of the plant as a medicinal plant is supported.

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