In-vitro antioxidant properties of Indian traditional paan and its ingredients

Indian traditional Paan is being used as a post meal digestive stimulant, astringent, aphrodisiac, nerve tonic, intoxicating agent and for several other purposes in India and is recommended in ancient scriptures of Ayurveda for normal well being. These properties might be due to the antioxidant nature of Paan. Hence, 50% methanol extracts of Paan and its ingredients were screened for antioxidant activity using DPPH method. Catechu, rose powder, betel nut and clove extracts exhibited potent antioxidant properties. Extracts of Paan, betel leaves and fennel showed moderate antioxidant activity. These results confirm the common beliefs and traditional uses of Paan in Indian tradition.