Studies on in vitro Free Radical Scavenging Capacity of the Pueraria lobata Callus Extract

In order to examine the free radical scavenging capacity and antioxidant activity of P.lobata callus extract and to select new and efficient natural antioxidants,an organic free radical system of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and two kinds of inorganic free radical systems of hydroxyl free radical and superoxide anion free radical were used for the free radical scavenging capacities and antioxidant activities of Pueraria lobata callus extract study in vitro,and were compared with those of P.Radix extract,puerarin,tea polyphenols and vitamin C(Vc).The results showed that the DPPH free radical scavenging capacity of P.lobata callus extract was similar to those of P.Radix extract and tea polyphenols,but rather higher than those of puerarin and Vc.P.Radix extract was discovered to possess the highest hydroxyl free radical scavenging capacity,followed by P.lobata callus extracts and tea polyphenols,and Vc was the lowest among them.Meanwhile,there was a significantly positive correlation between the hydroxyl free radical scavenging capacity of P.lobata callus extract and its concentration.P.lobata callus extract,P.Radix extract and Vc played significant scavenging roles on the superoxide anion free radical,which was better than those of puerarin and tea polyphenols.These comparison results provided the experimental evidences to confirm the strong free radical scavenging capacity and antioxidant activity of P.lobata callus extract.