Evaluating the total antioxidant capacity of Ocimum sanctum Linn by estimating the reduction of molybdate ion (VI to V)

Humans are under constant exposure to free radicals, produced either internally or from the environment. Oxidative stress occurs due to overproduction of these radicals that leads to chronic illness such as cancer, diabetics, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, aging, cardiovascular diseases, and other degenerative diseases in humans. Antioxidants are now being looked upon as persuasive therapeutic agents to combat and neutralize free radicals. Medicinal herbs, in particular, are catching special attention as commercial source of antioxidants. Different extracts of Ocimum sanctum were evaluated for their molybdate ion reducing capabilities, to evaluate its antioxidant potential. It was found that the ethyl acetate extract of the plant leaves exhibited a strong antioxidant capacity of 83.47 mg AAE/100 mg dry weight of extract, followed by the chloroform extract. The water extract had the minimum capacity to reduce the Mo (VI) to Mo (V). Molybdate ion reduction assay is a quick and convenient method to estimate the total antioxidant capacity of different plants thus depicting their capacity to reduce oxidative stress.