Abstract

Luffa cylindrica (L) (Family: Cucurbitaceae) commonly called sponge gourd plant
have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-HIV and antiasthmatic activity. The seed powder was extracted
with methanol under 60-80°C by continuous hot percolation process using Soxhlet apparatus and
the solvent was removed by distillation under reduced pressure and the residue was stored in
desiccator. The total antioxidant activity of the extract was determined with phosphomolybdenum
method using α-tocopherol as the standard. Among the graded doses (1 μg/ml, 2 μg/ml, 3 μg/ml
and 4 μg/ml) selected for the study, the maximum total antioxidant potency was observed with
higher dose of seed extract of Luffa cylindrica (L) at a concentration of 3 μg/ml which is slightly
greater than the standard α-tocopherol. The antioxidant activity was statistically significant at 1%
and 5% level of significance, which clearly indicates the validation for the biological work
accomplished.

Key words: Luffa cylindrica, Antioxidant, α-tocopherol, Seed extracts.