Preliminary Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Hypolipidemic Potential of Aqueous Extract of Ferula asafoetida-An in vitro Study

Aim: To analyse the preliminary phytochemical, antioxidant, anti-cholesterol potential of aqueous extract of Ferula asafoetida. Background: Hyperlipidemia is considered as one of the leading causes behind the occurrence of deadly disorders like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis etc. It is characterised by elevated levels of plasma lipids, mainly total cholesterol. Antioxidants are compounds which can inhibit oxidative damage. is the herbaceous plant belonging to the family Umbelliferae. It is used as spice in food and also used as digestive aid. It is used in the treatment of asthma and whooping cough and it also helps to reduce blood pressure. Methods: Aqueous extract of Ferula asafoetida was prepared by hot percolation method. The screening of phytochemical constituents, assessment of in vitro antioxidant activity and anticholesterol activity were done using standard procedures and the data were analysed statistically using one-way analysis of variance (ONE-WAY ANOVA) and the significance was considered at the levels of p<0.05. Results: Ferula asafoetida extract was rich in phytochemicals and possessed potent in vitro antioxidant activity. Anti-cholesterol activity of Ferula asafoetida extract was examined and it was observed that the plant extract exhibited significant anti cholesterol potential in a dose dependent manner with an IC 50 value of 400 µg/ml. Conclusion: The study established the in vitro antioxidant and hypolipidemic potential of aqueous extract of Ferula asafoetida. It is concluded that the extract of Ferula asafoetida possesses potent antioxidant and anticholesterol activity.