Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant capabilities of ethanolic leaf extracts from Caesalpinia pulcherrima, a medicinal plant traditionally employed in managing oxidative stress-related conditions. The research evaluated two key antioxidant parameters: DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity. Results demonstrated concentration-dependent antioxidant effects in both assays. For DPPH radical scavenging, the extract exhibited IC₅₀ value of 0.27 mg/ml compared to 0.07 mg/ml for L-ascorbic acid (standard), indicating strong antioxidant potential. The hydroxyl radical scavenging assay revealed a concentration-dependent decrease in activity, with IC₅₀ values of 0.14 mg/ml for the extract versus 1.06 mg/ml for the standard. These findings support the traditional use of C. pulcherrima in treating oxidative stress-associated disorders and suggest its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants. Further investigations on active compound isolation, characterization, and safety evaluation are recommended.