DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2014.v02i10.013

Pages: 719-723

Azolla is a free floating aquatic fern having agronomic importance worldwide. The present study was carried out to investigate antioxidant potential of two Azolla species namely A. pinnata and A. rubra. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH free radical scavenging assay and Ferric reducing assay. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was estimated by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and Aluminium chloride colorimetric estimation method respectively. Extract of A. pinnata displayed marked radical scavenging and reducing potential when compared to A. rubra. The content of total phenolics and flavonoids were higher in A. pinnata. The higher antioxidant efficacy of A. pinnata could be ascribed to the presence of high phenolic and flavonoid content. These Azolla species can be used against oxidative stress.