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REVIEW
A comprehensive review on medicinal plants possessing
antioxidant potential
Farah Zafar
1
| Hafiz Muhammad Asif
1
| Ghazala Shaheen
1
|
Aymen Owais Ghauri
2
| Sehrish Rana Rajpoot
1
| Muhammad Wasim Tasleem
3
|
Tahira Shamim
1
| Faheem Hadi
1
| Raessa Noor
1
| Tanveer Ali
4
|
Muhammad Nauman Gulzar
5
| Halima Nazar
6
1
University College of Conventional Medicine,
Faculty of Medicine & Allied Health Sciences,
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur,
Bahawalpur, Pakistan
2
Department of Eastern Medicine, Faculty of
Allied Health Sciences, Jinnah University for
Women, Karachi, Pakistan
3
Department of Zoology, The Islamia
University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur,
Pakistan
4
Faculty of Eastern Medicine and Natural
Sciences, Ziauddin University, Karachi,
Pakistan
5
Department of biochemistry, University of
Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
6
Department of Eastern Medicine, Jinnah
University for Women, Karachi, Pakistan
Correspondence
Farah Zafar, University College of
Conventional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine &
Allied Health Sciences, The Islamia University
of Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
Email: dr.farahzafar@gmail.com
Abstract
Many research studies have proposed that about two-thirds of the medicinal plant
species of the world possess significant antioxidant potential. Antioxidants are very
beneficial as they decrease oxidative stress (OS) in cells and hence play their role in
management as well as treatment of numerous diseases like cancers, cardiovascular
diseases, as well as many inflammatory illnesses. This review comprises the antioxi-
dant potential of numerous parts of medicinal plants like leaves, stems, roots, seeds,
fruits, as well as bark. Synthetic antioxidants named butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
as well as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are extensively employed in foods
because of their role as food preservatives. Several natural antioxidants have better
efficacy as compared to synthetic antioxidants. These medicinal plants include Gera-
nium sanguineum L., Rheum ribes L., Diospyros abyssinica,Sargentodoxa cuneata Rehd.
Et Wils, Pistacia lentiscus,Ficus microcarpa L. fil., Polyalthia cerasoides (Roxb.) Bedd,
Cunn, Teucrium polium L., Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham., Urtica dioica L., Dracocepha-
lum moldavica L., Momordica Charantia L., Acacia auriculiformis A., Bidens pilosa Linn.
The Lamiaceae species, Radiata, Leea indica,Pelargonium endlicherianum, Salvia offici-
nalis L., and Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC. The literature study disclosed more side
effects of synthetic antioxidants (including food additives) in comparison with natural
antioxidants and for prevention of many diseases.
KEYWORDS
antioxidants, medicinal plants, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, sources of antioxidants
1|INTRODUCTION
Antioxidants are inhibitors of redox reactions, even at a very low con-
centrations.
1
Free radicals are very reactive, and unstable reactive
oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) like superoxide anion radical,
hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen
2
can start
chain reactions that can damage cells.
3
The aerobic system normally
generates RNS and ROS as byproducts. Cellular signalling and patho-
gen defence are some of the physiological actions of ROS in cells.
4
However, excessive ROS can eventually cause tissue damage and cell
death due to damage of proteins, lipids and DNA.
1
Oxidative stress
(OS) is an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. Recent stud-
ies have shown that OS is significantly involved in development
and/or progression of a number of diseases, including cancer, neuro-
logical disorders, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular and inflamma-
tory diseases.
5
Numerous variables, including dietary, environmental,
genetic, radiation, as well as toxic exposure factors, might affect the
OS balance in the body. Oxidants and antioxidants from food can alter
Received: 1 July 2022 Revised: 14 November 2022 Accepted: 28 November 2022
DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13743
Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2022;1–13. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cep © 2022 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd. 1
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the body's OS homeostasis.
5
Different food items disturb sophisti-
cated systems of antioxidants to hinder their functions against free
radicals and prevent cell damage.
3
While RNS consists mainly of nitric oxide (NO), peroxynitrite, and
other nitrates, carbon-containing molecules are highly complex in
their chemical structure and are often produced in xenobiotic metabo-
lism.
6
An increase in ROS and RNS production or a decrease in antiox-
idant mechanisms creates a condition called oxidative and nitrosative
stress, respectively.
7
Human health problems caused by oxidative stress are now a
major concern. Unfortunately, by the year 2023, it is predicted that
the most prevalent chronic diseases mentioned above will increase
dramatically.
8
The impacted societies and their already overbur-
dened healthcare systems, which spend more than 75% of the
entire cost, for treating or managing these chronic types of disease,
would be under a tremendous socioeconomic load. There is an
urgent need to develop creative approaches to manage or prevent
chronic illnesses, according to current global health concerns. Such
therapeutic/management techniques can be developed by investi-
gating the bioactive potential of traditional medicinal herbs in alter-
ing the cellular pathways that are essential to chronic illnesses.
8
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of indi-
viduals worldwide rely on traditional medicine for their main health-
care requirements and these antioxidant phytochemicals are a major
source of treatment for different therapeutical purposes.
9
Due to
robust pharmacological effects, low toxicity and economic feasibil-
ity, plants have been studied for their therapeutic qualities for the
sake of scientific discoveries all over the world.
10
Today, several
ethnopharmacological studies have demonstrated the effectiveness
of herbal remedies in the treatment of illnesses caused by oxidative
stress. The use of medicinal plants as sources of biomolecules for
developing novel medications is still prevalent today. However, con-
sidering the abundance of superior plant species in the world, their
potential for the creation of novel medications has been largely
unexplored.
9
The objective of this review is to evaluate the value of already
proved beneficial effects of natural antioxidants for the prevention of
various diseases like obesity, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory,
neurodegenerative and so forth in human beings.
2|METHODOLOGY
In the present review, various screening procedures and attempts
were included to evaluate the efficacy of different plant species to
highlight new possible antioxidant products or compounds, that have
been compiled so far. For this purpose, different online databases
such as Science Direct, Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Wiley
Online Library, Springer-Link, and MEDLINE Data, were analysed.
Different key words like antioxidants, medicinal plants having anti-
oxidant property, different plants names and so forth were used to
search data.
3|TYPES OF ANTIOXIDANTS
There are two types of antioxidants that have a role in combating
oxidative stress: enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants
(Figure 1).
11
3.1 |Non-enzymatic/dietary antioxidants
Non-enzymatic antioxidants include those compounds which are part
of the diet and includes ascorbic acid (vitamin-C), α-tocopherol (vita-
min-E), omega 3 fatty acids and β-carotenes or carotenoids (vitamin-A
and lycopene), various types of polyphenols and flavonoids (such as
anthocyanin, a type of flavonoid) and coenzyme Q10, a type of pro-
tein. Vitamin-C is an important water-soluble extracellular antioxidant
that has the capability to neutralise the ROS in affected cells.
Vitamin-E is a fat soluble antioxidant, that works in cell membrane
and prevents lipid peroxidation of fatty acid in cell membranes. Simi-
larly, β-carotene and other carotenoids are also important in prevent-
ing oxidation of lipid rich tissues.
12
3.2 |Enzymatic antioxidants
There are several endogenous antioxidant defensive mechanisms
other than dietary against radical cell damage and are called enzymatic
antioxidants. These include superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT),
glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). They
have important roles in the metabolism of oxidative toxic metabolites.
13
GSH-Px is a water-soluble antioxidant synthesised by glycine, gluta-
mate and cysteine amino acids. GSH-Px has a direct role in scaven-
ging ROS and xenobiotic substances metabolism.
14
Metal binding
proteins are capable of scavenging free iron and copper ions that
can catalyse oxidation reactions. These include albumin, ferritin,
lactoferrin and ceruloplasmin.
15
4|ROLE OF ANTIOXIDANTS IN
DIFFERENT DISEASES
4.1 |Skin ageing
Skin ageing is classified into two types, intrinsic ageing and extrinsic
ageing. In intrinsic ageing, free radicals are formed in normal cell
metabolism,
16
causing oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA and
lipid peroxidation of cell membrane. Increased formation of unsatu-
rated fatty acids occurs due to oxidative stress. As a result, certain
changes occur at the cellular level and cellular mechanisms become
slower, resulting in appearance of fine wrinkles on the skin, a promi-
nent feature of ageing.
17
In the mechanism of extrinsic ageing, the skin suffers additional
damage due to some external factors such as air pollutants, ultraviolet
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light (UV), sunlight and smoking. These factors not only cause skin
ageing but also cause skin damage that leads to the appearance of
hyper pigmentation, inflammation and wrinkles.
In an ideal situation, the body uses a complex system of enzy-
matic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Antioxidants are naturally
occurring molecules that deplete reactive species and protect cell
damage to prolong cell life. Chronological ageing and UV light scav-
enge these antioxidants, making cellular metabolism unable to deal
with these harmful free radicals that cause cell damage, resulting in
the ageing of skin.
18
4.2 |Antioxidants in inflammatory diseases
In inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, the synovial mem-
brane releases toxic substances that cause damage to the cartilage
of joints. To treat such diseases, antioxidants are a therapeutic
approach to be included in daily life via diet. Vitamin-A, vitamin-E
and vitamin-B scavenge free radicals that prevent peroxidation of
lipids and proteins in cell membranes and ultimately act as a mild
anti-inflammatory.
19
Procyanidin B3 (pycnogenol) increases the pro-
duction of antioxidant enzymes inside cells, which protect the tissues
from damage. Under the action of pycnogenol, production of perox-
ides in macrophages is reduced which leads to damaging of free radi-
cals and hence oxidative stress is prevented at the cellular level.
20
Another naturally occurring antioxidant is lipoic acid, which is used
in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. It increases the produc-
tion of GSH-Px antioxidant synthesis by depleting the free radicals
and regulating the functions of transport factors such as nuclear
factor-Kβ.
21
Camellia sinensis, a green tea plant, contains catechins
and polyphenolic compounds, which have been used in inflammatory
diseases like arthritis because these compounds lower the break-
down of collagen and proteoglycans and hence prevent degradation
of joints.
22
4.3 |Neurodegenerative diseases
Histological and biochemical studies have proved that in Alzheimer's
disease, there is high content of membrane lipid peroxidation and oxi-
dative stress. Due to the presence of a high content of lipids, espe-
cially polyunsaturated fatty acids, in nervous tissues, there is great risk
of free radical damage. Increased production of ROS and RNS has a
major role in several neurodegenerative diseases. By intake of antioxi-
dants, this damage of tissues can be prevented. Another study
reported improvement in memory in individuals having high levels of
tocopherol and carotenoids as compared to individuals having low
levels of antioxidants, in fact, individuals with low levels are at a
greater risk of memory loss, dementia and brain vascular diseases.
23
5|MEDICINAL PLANTS HAVING
ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTY
5.1 |Ginkgo biloba
Ginko biloba leaf extract displays antioxidant properties which is helpful
in treatment of chronic diseases like cardiovascular, neurodegenerative
and cancer. Its mechanism of action is directly involved in depletion of
free radicals and indirectly involved in inhibition of free radical produc-
tion. It can scavenge ROS/RNS, hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
) and ferryl
ion species.
24
The G. biloba leaf extract indirectly acts as an antioxidant
as it increases the activity of other enzymatic antioxidants such as
catalase, SOD, GSH-Px and heme oxygenase.
25
The active constituents
of G.biloba are quercetin and kaempferol (flavonoids), bilobalides
(terpenoids), and show their antioxidant functions in different ways,
such as flavonoids inhibited prostaglandin synthesis by blocking activ-
ity of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, as a result, reduction in metastasis of
colon cancer was observed. Activities of SOD and catalase enzymes
were also found enhanced by bilobalides.
25,26
FIGURE 1 Types of antioxidants
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5.2 |Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhizin
27
is the main constituent of liquorice, which shows antioxi-
dant properties by inhibiting the production of free radicals at the site
of inflammation by neutrophils.
28
Beside antioxidant potential, it also
has antifungal, antibacterial, antihyperglycaemic, tyrosinase enzyme
inhibition, anti-malarial, immunomodulatory, expectorant, antispas-
modic, antiviral, anti-ulcer and anti-allergic potentials (Table 1).
5.3 |Trachyspermum ammi
Ajwain is the common name of Trachyspermum ammi.Presenceoffla-
vones in Ajwain are responsible for antioxidant activity. Ajwain showed
antioxidant property in an animal model study, in which toxicity
was induced by hexachlorocyclohexane. Along with antioxidant
properties, T. ammi has also analgesic, antinociceptive, antibacterial,
antifungal, insecticidal, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, diuretic,
anti-lithiasis, antiviral, spermicidal, hepatoprotective, anti-ulcer and
detoxification properties. It can cause teratogenicity as
evidenced by animal model study,
29
so may be dangerous to use
during pregnancy.
5.4 |Aloe barbadensis
Aloe vera is the common name of A. barbadensis which contains anti-
oxidant enzymes like SOD, GSH-Px and phenolic compounds present
in its gel and are responsible for its antioxidant effects. It also
increases blood quality by allowing blood to transport nutrients and
oxygen to cells more effectively. A. barbadensis also possess wound
healing, moisturising, anti-ageing, immune system restoration, anti-
inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antibac-
terial, antifungal as well as antiviral properties.
30,31
5.5 |Embelica officinalis
Embelica officinalis possesses antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, anti-inflam-
matory, hypo-cholesterolaemic, hepatoprotective, antitussive,
TABLE 1 The publication according
to Google Scholar year wise from 1995
to 2020
Years Antioxidants Medicinal plants Antioxidant +medicinal plant
1995 1360 139
1996 1580 173
1997 1900 198
1998 1920 197 1
1999 2430 217 2
2000 2430 258 4
2001 2730 266 3
2002 3260 308 2
2003 3620 342 10
2004 3870 373 6
2005 4450 456 2
2006 5030 543 4
2007 6010 625 8
2008 6680 646 17
2009 7630 763 24
2010 8870 879 24
2011 10600 1020 34
2012 11600 1140 29
2013 12500 1130 47
2014 13100 1190 50
2015 13400 1130 52
2016 13600 1110 46
2017 14000 1040 56
2018 13800 993 52
2019 14600 955 39
2020 14800 963 51
Note: In the last 26 years, the number of publications dealing with antioxidants and medicinal plants and
their application has increased exponentially as show in Figure 2.
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anticancer, cardioprotective and antiproliferative effects. Ascorbic
acid, tannins and polyphenolic compounds are the main active constit-
uents of E. officinalis which have antioxidant properties against many
free radicals like superoxide, nitric oxide and iron reduction. Active
constituents of E. officinalis are good metal ion chelators as they can
prevent oxidative cascades.
5.6 |Andrographis paniculate
Andrographis paniculate possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
antihyperglycaemic, hypoglycaemic, antiseptic and cardioprotective
properties. Under its action, activities of catalase, SOD, and GSH-Px
s-transferase enzymes were enhanced and reduction of lactate
dehydrogenase activity was seen.
32
Another study also displayed
inhibition of ROS formation in cellular activity.
33
5.7 |Withania somnifera
Withania somnifera is well known for its anti-inflammatory, sedative,
aphrodisiac, alternative and antioxidant activity. It is recommended
for the treatment of polyarthritis, lumbago, asthma, leucoderma,
scabies, ulcer and leucorrhea. Active principles of W. somnifera like
equimolar concentrations of sitoindoside VII–Xandwithaferin
increased the activity of catalase, SOD and GSH-Px enzymes in rat
brain.
34,35
5.8 |Terminalia belerica
Terminalia belerica extracts showed antimicrobial, anti-ulcer, immuno-
modulatory, wound healing and antioxidant activities. It contains both
enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants which scavenge hydroxyl
free radicals, known to cause cellular damage.
36
5.9 |Salvia haematodes
The main chemical constituents present in S. haematodes are flavonoids,
steroids and terpenoids, while alkaloids, saponins, glycosides and anthra-
quinones are absent. 1,1-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scav-
enging activity is extensively used for testing the antioxidant property of
plants. Discoloration of the violet colour of DPPH showed free radical
scavenging of antioxidant substances present in S. haematodes.Italso
possesses analgesic, antibacterial, antihypertensive, antispasmodic and
antidiarrheal properties in addition to its antioxidant potential. According
to the literature, flavonoids are responsible for the antioxidant activity.
37
5.10 |Nigella sativa
Nigella sativa is an important plant extensively used in folk medicine for
hundreds of years for the treatment of many diseases. Many bioactive
compounds present in its seeds are responsible for its great importance
in herbal as well as natural systems of medicine; like essential/fixed oils
(mainly thymoquinone), alkaloids and proteins. Many biological activi-
ties showed by N. sativa have been documented, which include anti-
inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anticancer, immunomodulatory,
nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-ulcerative and
antiseptic properties. N. sativa has antioxidant potential because of the
presence of several antioxidant compounds.
38
5.11 |Piper nigrum
Piper nigrum was found to possess antioxidant activity due to the
presence of flavonoids and phenolic contents. It prevents oxidative
stress by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and capturing hydroxyl and super-
oxide free radicals.
39,40
Piperine was the first chemical compound that
was investigated in family members of Piperaceae. Immunomodulatory,
antihypertensive, inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antispasmodic,
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
16000
18000
1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Antioxidants
Medicinal Plants
FIGURE 2 The yearly publication data
on the antioxidant and medicinal plant
from 1995 to 2020
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antitussive, hepatoprotective and analgesic are other activities shown
by P. nigrum.
5.12 |Viola odorata
Viola odorata Linn. is a member of the Violaceae family. Common
names include garden violet and sweet violet. Alkaloids, flavonoids,
saponins, terpenes and glycosides are common bioactive compounds.
V. odorata have diaphoretic, antibacterial, antipyretic, expectorant,
diuretic, laxative and soothing properties. It showed antioxidant
potential in a research study by scavenging of DPPH radical.
41
5.13 |Daucus carota
Daucus carota root vegetable, commonly known as the carrot is typi-
cally orange in colour, however there are also purple, black, red, white,
as well as yellow variants. D. carota contains a variety of bioactive
components, including sugar and dietary fibres. Vitamins such as
vitamin-A, β-carotene, lutein zeaxanthin, riboflavin, niacin, pathetic
acid, vitamin B6, foliate, vitamin-C, and vitamin-K are also present in
it, along with fats, proteins, minerals such as sodium, potassium, cal-
cium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. Carrot is a gold mine of
antioxidants due to the presence of carotenoids, polyphenols and
vitamins. Carotenoids present in orange carrot are potent antioxidants
that neutralise free radicals.
42
5.14 |Vaccinium macrocarpon
Vaccinium macrocarpon, commonly known as cranberry belongs to the
family Ericaceae. Fruits are medicinally used, and consist of 10% carbs
and roughly 80% water. Because of its higher concentration of poly-
phenols and organic acids, V. macrocarpon extract is a powerful anti-
oxidant. It is possibly employed to treat and prevent infectious
illnesses therapeutically due to its low toxicity and great biocompati-
bility. V. macrocarpon inhibits low density lipoproteins oxidation,
43,44
oxidative damage to neurons during ischaemia
45
and inflammatory
damage to vascular endothelium.
46
5.15 |Curcuma aromatica
Next to regular turmeric, the species known as “wild turmeric”
(vana haridra) or “yellow zedoary”(C. aromatica Salisb., family: Zingi-
beraceae) is the most extensivelyutilisedcurcuminspecies
(Curcuma longa Linn.). It has a long history of usage as an aromatic
medicinal cosmetic, but it is also a promising medication with poten-
tial for use in treatment. The oil and methanolic extract showed
potent DPPH radical scavenging activity and also against super
oxide radicals.
47
5.16 |Berberis aristate
Spiny shrub B. aristata, sometimes referred to as “Daru haldhi /
darhald and chitra,”is a native of the northern Himalayas. Darhald has
significant antioxidant activity, investigated through aqueous and
methanolic extracts and berberine (main active constituent) against
carbon tetrachloride (CCl
4
) induced liver injury, the results were
significant.
48
5.17 |Phoenix dactylifera
There are 12 species in the genus Phoenix, and five of them, including
P. dactylifera, are edible. The phytochemical study of the entire plant
revealed presence of tannins, alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids and vita-
mins. P. dactylifera has significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective
activity due to its high phenolic and flavonoid content.
49
It also
possesses antidiabetic, anti-infertility, anticancer, antidiarrheal, anti-
inflammatory, gastroprotective and haemopoietic activities (Table 2).
5.18 |Fagonia indica
Commonly known as dhamasa, Fagonia indica belongs to the family
Zygophyllaceae. Shoots have high content of flavonoids, saponins,
glycosides, anthraquinones and irodoides. Other than antioxidant
activity, it also possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic
activities. In a study conducted in 2010 phytochemical analysis and
biological activities of F. indica were evaluated.
90
The extract of
F. indica scavenge free radicals by mechanism involving increased
expression of copper-zinc (Cu–Zn) SOD and decreased expression of
induceable nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).
91
5.19 |Foeniculum vulgare
The common name of F. vulgare is fennel. In a review study con-
ducted in 2005, the antioxidant potential of F. vulgare was evaluated
showing high contents of polyphenols (caffeoylquinic acid, rosmari-
nic acid, eriodictyol-7-orutinoside, quercetin-3-O-galactoside,
kaempferol-3-O-glucoside) and flavonoids. F. vulgare is a powerful
natural antioxidant. Total antioxidant capacity was measured by dif-
ferent methods like DPPH and H
2
O
2
. This study showed that fennel
could inhibit free radicals and act as antioxidant.
92
In another study,
aqueous and ethanolic extracts of fennel were evaluated for their
antioxidant activity by using different methods like total antioxi-
dants, free radical scavenging, superoxide anion scavenging, hydro-
gen peroxide scavenging and metal ion chelating activity. These
results were compared to standard antioxidants. The consequences
obtained in this study showed that fennel was a prospective supply
of natural antioxidants and displayed much efficacious activity as
antioxidant.
65
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TABLE 2 List of medicinal plants having antioxidant activity.
Sr No. Botanical name Common name Family Part used Reference
1. Ginkgo biloba G.biloba G.biloba ceae Leaves
50
2. Glycyrrhiza glabra Licorice Leguminosae Roots
51
3. Trachyspermum ammi Ajwain desi Apiaceae Fruit
52
4. Aloe barbadensis Aloe vera Asphodelaceae Leaves gel
53
5. Emblica officinalis Amla Euphorbiaceae Fruit
54
6. Andrographis paniculate Bitter weed Acanthaceae Whole plant
55
7. Withania somnifera Asghand Solanaceae Roots
34
8. Terminalia belrica Balila Combretaceae Fruit
34
9. Salvia haematodes Behmansfaid Lamiaceae Roots
56
10. Centaurea behen Behmansurkh Asteraceae Roots
57
11. Piper nigrum Filfilsiyah Piperaceae Fruit
58
12. Viola odorata Bnafsha Violaceae Flower
59
13. Daucus carota Carrot Apiaceae Rhizome
60
14. Vaccinium macrocarpon Cranberry Ericaceae Berries
61
15. Curcuma aromatic Wild turmeric zingiberaceae Roots
47
16. Berberis aristata Darhald Berberidaceae Stem bark
62
17. Phoenix dactylifera Dates Arecaceae Fruit
63
18. Fagonia indica Dhmasa zygophyllaceae Shoots
64
19. Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Apiaceae Fruit
65
20. Piper longum Filfildaraz Piperaceae Filfildaraz
66
21. Quercus infectoria Galls Fagaceae Galls
67
22. Zingiber officinale Ginger zingiberaceae Rhizome
68
23. Camellia sinensis Green tea Theaceae Leaves
69
24. Gymnema sylvestris Gurmarboti Asclepiadaceae Whole aerial parts
70
25. Hedera helix IVY Araliaceae Leaves
71
26. Carum carvi Zeera siyah Apiaceae Fruit
72
27. Coriandrum sativum Kashneez Umbelliferae Fruit
73
28. Cichorium intybus Kasni Asteraceae Seed
74
29. Papaver somniferum Kashkhash Papaveraceae Seeds
75
30. Malva sylvestris Khbazi Malvaceae Seeds
76
31. Cymbopogon citrates Lemon grass Poaceae Whole aerial parts
77
32. Rubia cordifolia Mjeeth Rubiaceae Roots
78
33. Solanum nigrum Mako Solanaceae Berries
79
34. Silybum marianum Milk thistle Asteraceae Seeds
80
35. Moringa oleifera Sohanjna Moringaceae Flower, leaves
81
36. Cyperus rotundus Nagar motha Cyperaceae Rhizome
82
37. Azadirachta indica Neem Meliaceae Fruit
83
38. Mentha piperita Podina Lamiaceae Whole aerial parts
84
39. Crocus sativus Zafran Iridaceae Filament
85
40. Fumaria parviflora Shahtra Fumariaceae Whole aerial parts
86
41. Morus alba Toot siyah Moraceae Fruit, leaves
87
42. Vitis vinifera Resin Vitaceae Fruit
88
43. Salvia absconditiflora Sage Lamiaceae Aerial parts
89
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5.20 |Piper longum
A study conducted in 2006 evaluated the mixture of spices (Piper
nigrum,P. longum and Zingiber officinale), herbs (Cyperus rotundus
and Plumbago zeylanica) and salts that make up amrita bindu
and revealed their antioxidant activity. The study showed the anti-
oxidant potential of the ingredients in the following categories:
P. nigrum >P. longum >C. rotundus >Plumbago zeylanca >Zingiber
officinale.
93
5.21 |Quercus infectoria
Ethanolic extract of Q. infectoria was found to contain large num-
ber of polyphenols that possess antioxidant property due to reduc-
ing power. The study was conducted in an in-vitro model.
94
Antioxidant potential was determined by DPPH and α-carotene
bleaching assays and compared with standard antioxidants like
butylated hydroxyl toluene, results revealed powerful antioxidant
activity.
95
5.22 |Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale commonly known as ginger, a rhizomatous
herb, is a member of the Zingiberaceae family. The volatile oils
contain zingerone, shogaols and gingerols, which make about 1%
to 3% of the weight of fresh ginger, are what give ginger its dis-
tinctive flavour and aroma. In a study conducted in 1989, ginger
was ranked first among five richest antioxidant foods. Antioxidant
potential of ginger was found in both in-vitro and in-vivo
researches.
68,96
5.23 |Camellia sinensis
The common name of C. sinensis is green tea. Several age-related dis-
eases like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetes
and cardiovascular diseases are caused by changes in free radical dam-
age and oxidant/antioxidant imbalances.
97,98
In a study, green tea pre-
vented ethanol-induced oxidative stress caused by damage of lipids
and proteins during ageing.
99
5.24 |Gymnema sylvesteris
According to Rachh et al. the alcoholic extract of G. sylvesteris
leaves displayed potent in-vitro antioxidant potential checked via
DPPH activity. Presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins and triter-
penoids has been assumed to cause antioxidant activity by plant
extract.
100
5.25 |Hedera helix
A study conducted in 2003 showed that H. helix stems ethyl acetate
extract showed antioxidant potential due to presence of bioactive
phytochemicals like phenolic compounds (tannins and flavonoids) and
triterpenes.
101
5.26 |Carum carvi
The effects of caraway (common name C. carvi) extracts on preventing
oxidative tissue injuries induced by sepsis have been investigated.
Sepsis induction caused a significant increase in kidney lipid lipoperox-
idation but not heart lipoperoxidation, indicating that kidney was
more affected by sepsis induction than heart. Kidney lipoperoxidation
and plasma urea/creatinine ratio levels were readily normalised in rats
which were treated with essential oils as compared to hydroalcoholic
extract. Thus, it showed that caraway oils have a defensive role in kid-
ney tissue against oxidative injury.
102
5.27 |Coriandrum sativum
The antioxidant action of C. sativum was evaluated via DPPH assay,
which revealed its antioxidant potential.
103
5.28 |Cichorium intybus
The aqueous extract of C. intybus showed antioxidant activity on low
density lipoproteins (LDL), inhibitory effect on formation of thiobarbi-
turic acid reactive compounds and the deprivation of fatty acids in
low density lipoproteins. High content of anthocyanins in seeds
showed antioxidant activity by direct depleting effect against produc-
tion of ROS.
104
5.29 |Papaver somniferum
Papaver somniferum commonly known as poppy, contains such mole-
cules that have antioxidant activity, checked by DPPH test as shown
in Figure 3. Poppy displayed antioxidant potential in a dose dependent
manner in a research study.
105
Main active alkaloid constituents of
plant, are papaverine and morphine which showed antioxidants activ-
ity in another study.
75
5.30 |Cymbopogon citratus
Cymbopogon citratus commonly known as lemongrass is rich in phenols,
lignins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, carotenoids and vitamins.
8ZAFAR ET AL.
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Phenolics compounds are very helpful in oxidative stress as they scav-
enge free radicals like H
2
O
2
,hydrogenanion(O
2
) that are formed in
the body during normal metabolism as a byproduct.
106
Lawrenc et al.
investigated antioxidant activity of lemongrass by DPPH assay, nitrogen
oxide assay and β-carotene bleaching assay. Results showed that lemon-
grass essential oil has very powerful antioxidant activity.
107
5.31 |Rubia cordifolia
Rubia cordifolia contains a broad diversity of antioxidants like alizarin,
hydroxyl anthraquinones
108
and rubiadin
109
that are used in a range
of medicines. The in-vivo study of antioxidant activity on ethanol-
induced immuno-suppression showed that the concomitant daily use
of R. cordifolia prevented decrease of GSH-Px content, catalase and
SOD activities which are very important antioxidant enzymes.
78
Hex-
ane and ethyl acetate content of root showed optimal free radical
depleting activity due to presence of anthraquinones and their
glycosides.
110
5.32 |Solanum nigrum
Solanum nigrum (commonly known as mako) contains glycoprotein
which have free radical scavenging activity like DPPH, hydroxyl radical
(OH) and superoxide anion (O
2
). A 50% ethanol extract of the whole
plant also has hydroxyl radical scavenging activity which is optional as
cytoprotective mechanism.
111
5.33 |Silybum marianum
Silymarin is an important constituent of S. marianum (milk thistle)
and has been studied to protecttheliverfromabroadrange
of toxins and ischaemic injuries through different means, like anti-
oxidant activity, maintenance of cell membrane and permeability.
Silymarin prevents arsenic-induced free radical damage and
prevention of lipid peroxidation.
112
5.34 |Moringa oleifera
Phytochemical evaluation of aqueous-alcoholic extract of M. oleifera
displayed phenolic and other active compounds like flavonoids, thio-
carbamates, isothiocyanates and glucosinolates that have antioxidant
activity. These compounds scavenge ROS and chelate metal ions.
81
5.35 |Cyperus rotundus
A combination of herbs, spices and salts (filfil siyah, filfil daraz, ginger
and sheetraj, nagarmotha and salt) are found in the plant and were
investigated for their antioxidant activity after separation. Results
showed the following order of antioxidant potential filfil siyah > filfil
daraz > nagarmotha > sheetraj > ginger, against the free radical
2,20-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS).
113
5.36 |Azadirachta indica
Various diseases are caused mainly by free radical or ROS, though
these diseases can be prevented by scavenging of free radicals.
114
Medicinal plants have been evaluated to have antioxidant prospec-
tive.
115
A. indica flower, leaf, fruit and stem were studied for their
antioxidant activity. Results showed that neem (common name of
A. indica) parts have significant antioxidant activity.
116
5.37 |Mentha piperita
Because of the presence of several bioactive ingredients, M. piperita
(commonly known as mint) has an antioxidant role. This function of
antioxidation has a significant role in the prevention of several diseases
like unrelieved degenerative diseases (like diabetes mellitus and cardio-
vascular diseases), inflammatory processes and dyslipidaemia.
117
5.38 |Crocus sativus
Crocus sativus methanol extract and its components, such as saffron
and crocin, have been reported to have radical scavenging capacity,
indicating its use as a cosmetic for treating age-related disorders as a
food supplement.
118
Crocin was found to have greater antioxidant
ability than neuronally differentiated pheochromocytoma cells
deprived of glucose, the absence of which triggered the peroxidation
of their cell membrane lipids and decreased intercellular SOD activi-
ties. Crocin has reversed these results, promising it as a special and
FIGURE 3 Scavenging effect of methanolic opium poppy extract
on 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)
105
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active antioxidant that battles with oxidative stress in neurons
(Figure 4).
119
5.39 |Fumaria parviflora
In another study, aqueous alcoholic extract of F. parviflora commonly
known as shahtra prevented nimesulide-induced cell death in rat
hepatocyte cultures. The toxicity caused by nimesulide was altered by
altering process of apoptosis by extract of F. parviflora without varying
its therapeutic function.
120
6|CONCLUSION
Medicinal plants are a good source of flavonoids and phenols which
are responsible for antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are important
because of their role in body defence mechanisms against various free
radicals. Increasing intake of antioxidants in the form of traditional
diet and herbs may help to maintain proper levels and the reduce risks
of many diseases. Medicinal plants are not only researched or investi-
gated by herbalists, but chemists are also interested to discover new
chemical constituents with minimal side effects that will open more
dimensions in phytochemistry. Most of the medicinal plants men-
tioned in this manuscript have been studied only through in-vitro
studies. There is need for in-vivo studies as well as clinical trials, so
that natural resources can be used to improve human health.
6.1 |Limitations of study
In this manuscript we only considered the antioxidant potential of
medicinal plants, either present or not and which compounds are
responsible for this. Further studies can be conducted such as effect
of dose concentration, toxicological studies, and so forth which can
affect antioxidant potential.
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS
This work was carried out in collaboration among all authors. Farah
Zafar designed the study. Hafiz Muhammad Asif, Halima Nazar and
Ghazala Shaheen analysed final version. Dr. Aymen Owais Ghauri,
Sehrish Rana Rajpoot and Tahira Shamim wrote the first draft.
Muhammad Wasim Tasleem analysed the study. Author Raessa Noor
managed the literature searches. Muhammad Nauman Gulzar per-
formed statistical analysis. Tanveer Ali wrote the protocols. All
authors read and approved the final manuscript.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Authors show grateful acknowledge to Teachers of Faculty of Medi-
cine and Allied Health Sciences, Islamia University Bahawalpur,
Pakistan, for their kind guideline and help. No funding available for
this study.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
Data will be provided on demand.
ORCID
Farah Zafar https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1328-4623
Tanveer Ali https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0501-3922
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How to cite this article: Zafar F, Asif HM, Shaheen G, et al. A
comprehensive review on medicinal plants possessing
antioxidant potential. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2022;1‐13.
doi:10.1111/1440-1681.13743
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