Evaluation of In vitro Antioxidant Potential of Hydromethanolic Bark Extract of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight & Arn. Bark Extract

Abstract

The qualitative phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant activity of the hydromethanolic bark extract of Terminalia arjuna (TAE) was investigated to understand its pharmacological and medicinal importance using various in vitro antioxidant assays, including total antioxidant capacity and reducing power. The bark of Terminalia arjuna was collected from the Medicinal Plants Research and Development Centre, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India and authenticated. Qualitative biochemical analysis showed the presence of numerous phytochemicals in TAE. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using standard antioxidants like ascorbic acid for comparison. The extract consistently exhibited strong antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner. The hydromethanolic bark extract of Terminalia arjuna showed notable total antioxidant capacity of 133.04 mg ascorbic acid equivalents per g of extract. The reducing power increased progressively with concentration, ranging from 0.045 at 20 μg/mL to 0.355 at 200 μg/mL. These findings support the potential of bioactive compounds for developing safe and cost-effective herbal treatments and thus could prevent many radical-related ailments. Further investigation may also promote environmentally sustainable practices.