ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIPARKINSONIAN ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CLITORIA TERNATEA.

Abstract

This study investigates the antioxidant and antiparkinsonian potential of the leaf extract of Clitoria ternatea. Oxidative stress is a key contributor to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease, and natural antioxidants derived from medicinal plants offer promising neuroprotective strategies, the ethanolic extract demonstrated significant free radical scavenging activity. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified and in vitro antioxidant activity of extracts was determined through DPPH scavenging, catalase assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. This study comprehensively evaluated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and neuroprotective properties of Clitoria terntea leaf extracts. Phytochemical screening and Soxhlet extraction revealed substantial total phenolic content (46.78 mg GAE/g) and moderate flavonoid levels (15.79 mg QE/g). Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH assay and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assays, ferric chloride antioxidant power assay, ABTS+ scavenging assay which demonstrated notable free radical scavenging capacity. Molecular docking experiments further supported the potential anti-parkinsonian effects of Clitoria Ternatea bioactive constituents, aligning with observed neuroprotective outcomes in experimental models. These findings provide a scientific basis for the traditional use of Clitoria Ternatea in herbal medicine and underscore its promise as a natural source of antioxidants for managing neurological disorders, particularly those linked to oxidative stress. The results advocate for further investigation into the therapeutic applications and mechanisms of Clitoria Ternatea in the context of neurodegenerative disease management.