Comparative evaluation of the antioxidant status and in vitro free radical scavenging activities of leaves and roots of Achyranthes aspera.

Oxygen is essential for survival. However, its univalent reduction generates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which are harmful to living cells and highly associated with wide range of pathogenesis such as diabetes, liver damage, inflammation, aging, neurological disorders and cancer. Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells against the damaging effects of ROS, which results in oxidative stress leading to cellular damage.