In vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Methanolic and PetroleumEther Extracts from Seeds of Benincasa hispida

In vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic and petroleum ether extract of seeds of Benincasa hispida was determined by FTC (Ferric thiocyanate) and TBA (Thiobarbituric acid) methods. α-tocopherol (Vitamin-E) was used as standard and positive control for all analysis. All analysis was made with the use of UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The percentage inhibition of linoleic acid by the methanolic extract and petroleum ether extract of seeds of B. hispida had shown effective results as compared to standard antioxidant. After seven days the percentage inhibitions of extracts were 65.43% and 51.08%. The percent inhibitions by extracts were comparable to α-tocopherol (77.61%). The TBA analysis of methanolic and petroleum ether extracts from the seeds of B. hispida at seventh day of storage. The percentage of antioxidant activity for methanolic and petroleum ether extracts were 71.02% and 63.65%. The results of extracts were comparable to α-tocopherol, where the percentage of activity was 83.72%. The results concluded that the extracts have a potential source of antioxidants of natural origin.