The total phenolic content and in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of the whole plants of
Hedyotis puberula (G. Don) R.Br. ex Arn. were appraised. The methanol extract of the plant contained
higher levels of total phenolics, tannins and flavonoids content than other solvent extracts. Extracts were
screened for antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities using various in vitro model systems. The
methanol extract manifested strongest antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity. The treatment of
paracetamol intoxicated wistar rats with methanol extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg, b.wt. attenuated the
elevated enzyme level such as glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide
dismutase and catalase to normal level and significantly reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation. These results
showed that the methanol extract of H. puberula has significant antioxidant activity both under in vitro
and in vivo conditions.