DPPH radical scavenging activity
The free radical scavenging capacity of the plant and fungal extracts was determined using
the DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay as described by (Braca et al. 2001) with a slight
modification. Tested sample was mixed with 95 % methanol to prepare the stock solution
(5mg/mL). One milliliter of DPPH (0.25mM) in methanol was taken in tubes and 2.0mL solution of
various concentrations of plant extract was added. The reaction mixture was then allowed to stand
at room temperature in a dark chamber for 30 min. The change in colour from deep violet to light
yellow was then measured at 518 nm on a spectrophotometer. Ascorbic acid was used as a
reference standard and dissolved in distilled water to make the stock solution with the same
concentration (5mg/mL). Ninety-five percent methanol served as blank. Percentage scavenging of
the DPPH free radical was measured by using the following equation: