Evaluation of Antioxidant Prospective of Diospyros malabarica Methanolic Extract for Improving Oxidative Stability of Mustard Oil

Antioxidants are substances which inhibit auto-oxidation of oils and fats by donating an atom of hydrogen to free radicals produced in the initial stages of autooxidation. In the course of the past two decades, a lot of work is done on application of natural plants extracts as preservative in edible oils due to the drift towards reducing the use of synthetic food additives. The aim of this research project was to estimate antioxidant efficacy of pharmaceutical plant species of Pakistan origin famous as �Gaab tree� (Diospyros malabarica), in local language and its use as a stabilizing agent for mustard oil. To carry out this study, its fruit and leaves methanolic extracts were prepared and their antioxidant efficiencies were analyzed by means of various tests like: TPC, TFC, TAC. They were found to be enriched with potential antioxidants. For finding antioxidant potential, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP analysis and a-carotene bleaching tests were also carried out. Results indicated their oxidative potentials were similar to synthetic antioxidants, like: BHA and BHT. So these extracts can be used as natural stabilizers, like synthetic one, for minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals for food storage.