Comparative study of Free Radical Scavenging activity of Theobroma cacao L. with different anupana (vehicle)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Rasayana is defined as the drug which destroys the process of ageing and diseases. The rasayana dravyas increases the rasa, rakta and other dhatus, thereby increases the strength of the body as well as life span of a person. These dravyas also postpone ageing process, increases the resistance of the individual and helps in preventing diseases. The cocoa plant is not mentioned in the ayurvedic literature. But now a days cocoa is very popular and is widely used product worldwide. It has proven anti-oxidant property. The present study was done to see the efficacy with different anupana of cocao churna. AIM & OBJECTIVES: AIM: • To evaluate free radical scavenging activity of Theobroma cacao L. with the help of different Anupana on healthy individuals. OBJECTIVES: • To screen the efficacy of Anupana (concept of vehicle) of Theobroma cacao L. churna as with cow milk & buffalo water. • To screen the cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) powder pharmacognostically, phytochemically & for its taste threshold methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pharmacognostical study: Macroscopic and microscopic study of test drug was done. Analytical study: Organoleptic parameters, physico-chemical parameters, preliminary phyto-chemical analysis, inorganic minerals analysis was done. Clinical study: 32 subjects who fulfill the inclusion criteria was selected from the OPD of swasthavrutta, Parul Ayurved Hospital, Parul University after taking their informed consent. STUDY DESIGN: Open Randomized clinical trial. Assessment criteria: Serum Super Oxide Dismutase and Serum Catalase. It was done before the start of clinical trial and after the completion of clinical trial. RESULTS: The change in the values before and after treatments was assessed by paired Student’s T- test and in between two groups with unpaired Student’s T- test. There is a statistically significant improvement in values. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: After all observation, discussion and result concluded that Theobroma cacao definitely possesses anti-oxidant property. By comparing both groups, it was revealed that the anti-oxidant activity of Cocoa with cow milk as a Anupana is highly significant.