Effect of Luffa echinata on lipid peroxidation and free radical scavenging activity.

The dried alcoholic (50%) extract of the plant Luffa echinata was investigated for inhibition of lipid peroxidation, for hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and interaction with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl stable free radical (DPPH). It was found that the test extract exhibited a considerable inhibition of lipid peroxidation and possessed hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Evaluation of antiradical scavenging activity showed significant interaction with DPPH. These properties could be considered as a useful and exploitable combination for justifying the reported activity.