DETERMINATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC LEAVES EXTRACT OF FICUS VIRENS

In biological cells, antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing cellular damage caused by oxidation of other molecules. Their primary function is to neutralize free radicals, which can have detrimental effects on living organisms. Antioxidants achieve this by reacting with free radicals, thereby terminating the chain reactions that could harm cells. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant potential of ethanolic leaves extract of Ficus virens and compared it with a standard antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid. The plant material was subjected to sequential extraction using a solvent of 70% ethanol, utilizing a Soxhlet extraction method. The phytochemicals examination ethanolic leaves extract of Ficus virens exposed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, proteins, carbohydrates, Tannins and phenolic compounds. The extract was tested for total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activities were determined spectropho-tometrically using the DPPH assay, hydrogen peroxide assay, Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, phosphomolybdate assay, nitric oxide scavenging assay. The result of ethanolic leaves extract shows the good antioxidant potency when compared with standard ascorbic acid.