Title: Comparative In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential and Phytochemical Profiling of Native Medicinal Plants from the Mahakoshal Region of Madhya Pradesh

Background: Oxidative stress, induced by the accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. Synthetic antioxidants like BHT and BHA are effective but have restricted use due to potential carcinogenicity. This necessitates the exploration of natural, plant-based alternatives. Objective: This study evaluates the antioxidant capacity and phytochemical composition of ethanolic extracts of three medicinal plants native to the Mahakoshal region: Emblica officinalis (Amla), Moringa oleifera (Drumstick), and Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy). Methods: Leaves and fruits were collected from the TFRI campus and surrounding Jabalpur areas. Extracts were prepared using the Soxhlet apparatus. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed, followed by quantitative assessment of Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC). Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging assay and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. Results: (To be detailed in Part 2) Preliminary data suggests a dose-dependent antioxidant activity, with Emblica officinalis showing the highest efficacy, comparable to standard Ascorbic Acid. Conclusion: The native flora of Madhya Pradesh possesses significant antioxidant potential, attributed to high phenolic and flavonoid content, validating their ethnopharmacological use.