Author(s): Amit Semwal*, Mamta S Farswan, Kamalesh Upreti, SP Bhatt, Kumud Upadhyaya

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to find the antioxidant value of certain Pteridophytes in Garhwalregion. Antioxidants have been reported to prevent oxidative damage caused by free radical and can be used in cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory diseases to treat of burn and wounds. The methanolic crude extracts of some commonly used Pteridophytes were screened for their free radical scavengingproperties using ascorbic acid as standard antioxidant. Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. The overall antioxidant activity of Diplaziumesculantum was the strongest, followed in descending order byAdiantumlunulatum, Pterisvittata, Equisetum romosissimumand Ampelopterisprolifera. All the methanolicextracts exhibited antioxidant activity significantly. The IC50 of the methanolic extracts ranged between 0.32 ± 0.12 and 0.81 ± 0.21 mg/ml. The study reveals that the consumption of these spices would exert several beneficial effects by virtue of their antioxidant activity.