H2O2 is involved in the generation of hydroxyl radicals which can initiate cytoxicity. Therefore, any substance that can remove H2O2 will protect the living system[27]. The results of free radical scavenging activity by H2O2 method also showed a concentration dependent activity. All the extracts scavenged H2O2 probably by donating electrons to the hydrogen peroxidase, thereby converting it into water. The antioxidant activity by this method was in the order of ethyl acetate>methanol>hexane>chloroform extract. Thus, it can be concluded that the antioxidant activity of this plant is due to the presence of phytoconstituents, mainly polyphenols.
A total of 29 volatile chemical compounds, belonging to hydrocarbons, esters, alcohols, fatty acids, ketones, etc. were identified and characterized in hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts through GC-MS analysis. These compounds have previously been isolated from other medicinal plant species and were believed to play an important role in plant defense system.