Available online on 15.07.2025 at http://jddtonline.info

Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics

Open Access to Pharmaceutical and Medical Research

Copyright  © 2025 The  Author(s): This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the CC BY-NC 4.0 which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium for non-commercial use provided the original author and source are credited

 

Open Access Full Text Article   Research Article

Antioxidant Potential of Arogyavardhini Vati Extract by DPPH Assay 

Pratiksha Prabhakar Shekade ¹, Sumedh Sunil Chavan ¹, Arvind Shankarrao Dhabe ²*

¹ Research Scholar, Department of Botany, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, India- 431004.

² Senior Professor and Head, Department of Botany, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, India- 431004.

 

 

INTRODUCTION: 

Ayurvedic drugs often contain a wide range of medicinal herbs that are high in bioactive compounds, particularly phenolics and flavonoids. These bioactive compounds are strongly associated with antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activities.^1,2 Arogyavardhini Vati is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used to improve liver function, regulate metabolism and boost immunity.³ Some research indicates that this formulation possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.⁴

Many infectious and chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, neurological disorders and infections like COVID-19 are influenced by oxidative stress.^5,6 It occurs when the body develops an excess of damaging chemicals known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the natural antioxidants are insufficient to counteract them. This imbalance can damage essential cellular components such as fats, proteins, DNA and may also disturb immune function leading to long-term inflammation.⁷ In COVID-19, oxidative stress has been linked to more serious illness, lung damage, and the immune system's overreaction known as a cytokine storm.⁸ 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several Ayurveda practitioners and state-level guidelines listed Arogyavardhini Vati among medicines recognized for its liver-protective, immune-supporting and rejuvenating properties.^9,10 However, there is still limited scientific research specifically testing its antioxidant activity. Therefore, this study aims to scientifically evaluate the antioxidant efficacy of Arogyavardhini Vati (coded as ADC-05) using the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Chemicals and Reagents:

The chemicals DPPH, ethanol as a solvent, ascorbic acid (for positive control), methanol and distilled water were used to test the antioxidant activity of Arogyavardhini Vati.

Sample Preparation: 

Arogyavardhini Vati tablets were finely powdered and subjected to Soxhlet’s extraction using ethanol as the solvent.¹¹

 

 

Table 1: Ingredients of Arogyavardhini Vati and their uses ¹²

S. N.	Botanical / Source Name	Ingredient	Plant Parts Used	Traditional Use / Function	Ref
	Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth.	Katuka	Rhizome	Hepatoprotective, antioxidant	13
	Phyllanthus emblica L.	Amalaki	Fruit	Antioxidant, immune booster	14
	Terminalia chebula Retz.	Haritaki	Fruit	Detoxification, rejuvenative	15
	Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb.	Bibhitaki	Fruit	Rejuvenative, anti-inflammatory	16
	Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari	Shuddha guggulu	Exudes	Anti-inflammatory, Anti-arthritic	17
	Plumbago zeylanica L.	Chitraka moola	Root	Digestive Stimulant, Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic	18,19
	Azadirachta indica A. Juss.	Nimba Patraswarasa	Leaf	Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antipyretic, Anti-inflammatory, Immunomodulatory and Hepatoprotective	20,21,22
	Mineral exudate	Shilajatu		Bioenhancer, adaptogen	23
	Copper calx	Tamra Bhasma		Hepatoprotective, antioxidant	24
	Purified and incinerated Mica (Biotite)	Abhraka Bhasma		Rejuvenator, immunomodulator, and respiratory tonic	25
	Iron calx	Loha Bhasma		Hematinic, antioxidant, used as an iron supplement for anemia, weakness, and to support liver function and immunity.	26
	Purified Sulphur	Shuddha Gandhaka		Antimicrobial, skin-purifying, and Rasayana (rejuvenative) actions	27
	Purified Mercury	Shuddha Parada		Used in various herbo-metallic formulations for rejuvenation, detoxification, and vitality enhancement.	28

 

 

The Soxhlet’s apparatus was operated to ensure exhaustive extraction. After extraction, the extract was concentrated under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator. The concentrated extract was then stored in an amber-coloured airtight glass bottle at 4°C until further use, to protect it from light and oxidative degradation.²⁹

DPPH Assay Procedure:

The antioxidant activity of the sample was evaluated using the free radical scavenging method.³⁰ A 0.1 mM DPPH solution was prepared in methanol. Equal volumes (1 ml each) of the DPPH solution and the sample extract were mixed and incubated in the dark at room temperature for 30 minutes. The decrease in absorbance was measured at 517 nm using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer.

Calculation of Scavenging Activity: 

DPPH Scavenged (%) = ((A –S)/A) ×100

Where:

A = Absorbance of blank (0.6443)

S = Absorbance of sample (0.1415)

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: 

The ethanol extract of Arogyavardhini Vati showed an absorbance of 0.1415, resulting in a DPPH scavenging activity of 78.04%. The positive control, ascorbic acid, demonstrated a scavenging activity of 96.12%. These results confirm the strong antioxidant properties of Arogyavardhini Vati.

 

 

 

Table 2: DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity of Test Sample ADC-05

 

 

 

Figure 1: Visual representation of test samples analyzed under UV-Spectrophotometer.

(a) Blank             (b) Positive control           (c) Sample (ADC-05 ethanolic extract after reaction with DPPH)

The observed antioxidant activity suggests that Arogyavardhini Vati can significantly neutralize free radicals. This aligns with its traditional use for detoxification and immune support. Further phytochemical analysis and In vivo studies are recommended to explore the full therapeutic potential.

CONCLUSION: 

Arogyavardhini Vati showed strong antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay, confirming its traditional use and suggesting a role in managing oxidative stress. This supports its relevance in treating conditions like COVID-19, where oxidative imbalance is prevalent.

Acknowledgement: The authors are thankful to Dr. Sachin Bhusari, Department of Chemical Technology, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, for testing the antioxidant activity and sharing his knowledge.

Conflicts of Interest: There is no conflict of interest among the authors.

REFERENCES: 

1. Kumar S, Kumar D, Saroha K, Singh N, Vashishta B. Antioxidant and free radical scavenging potential of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. methanolic fruit extract. Acta Pharmaceutica. 2008 Jun 1;58(2):215-20. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10007-008-0008-1
2. Sulaiman CT, Balachandran I. Total phenolics and total flavonoids in selected Indian medicinal plants. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences. 2012 May;74(3):258. doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/0250-474X.106069 
3. Kumar G, Srivastava A, Sharma SK, Gupta YK. The hypolipidemic activity of Ayurvedic medicine, Arogyavardhini iati in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic rats: a comparison with fenofibrate. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. 2013 Jul;4(3):165. doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.118707 
4. Sarashetti RS, Simpi CC, Sandeep NM, Kanthi VG. Screening of free radical scavenging activity of Arogyavardhini Vati. 2013 Sep 25;4(4):555-559.   http://www.ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/1062_pdf.pdf
5. Liguori I, Russo G, Curcio F, Bulli G, Aran L, Della-Morte D, Gargiulo G, Testa G, Cacciatore F, Bonaduce D, Abete P. Oxidative stress, aging, and diseases. Clinical interventions in aging. 2018 Apr 26:757-72. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S158513
6. Betteridge DJ. What is oxidative stress? Metabolism. 2000 Feb 1;49(2):3-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0026-0495(00)80077-3
7. Valko M, Leibfritz D, Moncol J, Cronin MT, Mazur M, Telser J. Free radicals and antioxidants in normal physiological functions and human disease. The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology. 2007 Jan 1;39(1):44-84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocel.2006.07.001
8. Delgado-Roche L, Mesta F. Oxidative stress as key player in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) infection. Archives of medical research. 2020 Jul 1;51(5):384-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arcmed.2020.04.019
9. Chambyal K, Sharma S, Sharma S. Ayurveda prophylaxis and intervention for COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Ayurveda. 2020 Oct 1;14(4):22-7. https://doi.org/10.4103/joa.joa_140_20 
10. Tawalare K. 3D Approach of Ayurveda to Combat COVID-19: Prevention, Intervention, and Rehabilitation (PIR). AYUSH: International Research Journal of Ayurveda Teachers Association. 2022 Oct 12;1(1).
11. Shekade PP, Pundge RS, Chavan SS, Dhabe AS. Phytochemical profile of Alysicarpus hamosus Edgew. as derived by HRLC-MS technique. Bioinfolet. 2023;20(2a):262–265.
12. Shastri AD (Ed.). Bhaishajya Ratnavali (B. B. R.), Part I. 18th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Bhawan; 2012. p. 448.
13. Rajkumar V, Guha G, Kumar RA. Antioxidant and anti-neoplastic activities of Picrorhiza kurroa extracts. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2011 Feb 1;49(2):363-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2010.11.009
14. Mirunalini S, Krishnaveni M. Therapeutic potential of Phyllanthus emblica (amla): the ayurvedic wonder. Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology. 2010 Feb;21(1):93-105.  https://doi.org/10.1515/JBCPP.2010.21.1.93
15. Saleem A, Husheem M, Härkönen P, Pihlaja K. Inhibition of cancer cell growth by crude extract and the phenolics of Terminalia chebula Retz. fruit. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Aug;81(3):327–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(02)00099-5
16. Naik GH, Priyadarsini KI, Satav JG, Banavalikar MM, Sohoni DP, Biyani MK, Mohan H. Comparative antioxidant activity of individual herbal components used in Ayurvedic medicine. Phytochemistry. 2003 May 1;63(1):97-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(02)00754-9Get rights and content
17. Satyavati GV. Gum guggul (Commiphora mukul)-the success story of an ancient insight leading to a modern discovery. 1988 Apr; 87:327-35.
18. Iyengar MA, Pendse GS. Plumbago zeylanica L. (Chitrak) a gastrointestinal flora normaliser. Planta Medica. 1966 Aug;14(03):337-351. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0028-1100060 
19. Sheeja E, Joshi SB, Jain DC. Bioassay-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive compound from Plumbago zeylanica leaf. Pharmaceutical biology. 2010 Apr 1;48(4):381-7. https://doi.org/10.3109/13880200903156424
20. Subapriya R, Nagini S. Medicinal properties of neem leaves: a review. Current Medicinal Chemistry-Anti-Cancer Agents. 2005 Mar 1;5(2):149-56. https://doi.org/10.2174/1568011053174828
21. Biswas K, Chattopadhyay I, Banerjee RK, Bandyopadhyay U. Biological activities and medicinal properties of neem (Azadirachta indica). Current science. 2002 Jun 10:1336-45. http://www.jstor.org/stable/24106000. Accessed 21 June 2025.
22. Udeinya IJ, Mbah AU, Chijioke CP, Shu EN. An antimalarial extract from neem leaves is antiretroviral. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2004 Jul 1;98(7):435-7.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trstmh.2003.10.016
23. Ghosal S, Lal J, Singh SK, Goel RK, Jaiswal AK, Bhattacharya SK. The need for formulation of Shilajit by its isolated active constituents. Phytotherapy research. 1991 Oct;5(5):211-6. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2650050505
24. Tripathi YB, Singh VP. Role of Tamra bhasma, an Ayurvedic preparation, in the management of lipid peroxidation in liver of albino rats. Indian journal of experimental biology. 1996 Jan 1;34(1):66-70.  PMID: 8698411.
25. Balkrishna A, Solleti SK, Singh H, Singh R, Sharma N, Varshney A. Biotite-Calx based traditional Indian medicine sahastraputi-abhrak-bhasma prophylactically mitigates allergic airway inflammation in a mouse model of asthma by amending cytokine responses. Journal of Inflammation Research. 2021 Sep 17:4743-60. https://doi.org/10.2147/JIR.S313955
26. Joshi N, Dash MK, Dwivedi L, Khilnani G. Effect of Navayasa Lauha, an ayurvedic herbomineral formulation on experimentally-induced iron deficiency anemia. Ancient Science of Life. 2018 Apr 1;37(4):180-7. https://doi.org/10.4103/asl.ASL_5_19 
27. Bhagwanrao SS. Antimicrobial activity of Shuddha Gandhaka synthesized by traditional Ayurvedic methods. Int J Ayu Med Res. 2015 July;3(7):2213–7.
28. Satyam B, Pati RK. Traditional aspects of Kajjali: processing and therapeutic insights. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2024;9(8):26–34.
29. Harborne AJ. Phytochemical methods a guide to modern techniques of plant analysis. springer science & business media; 1998 Apr 30.
30. Brand-Williams W, Cuvelier ME, Berset CL. Use of a free radical method to evaluate antioxidant activity. LWT-Food science and Technology. 1995 Jan 1;28(1):25-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0023-6438(95)80008-5