ABSTRACT:
Free radicals are reactive oxygen species that are generated in our body by various endogenous systems. It is formed when our body is exposed to different physiochemical conditions. A balance between free radicals and antioxidants is necessary for normal physiological functions. Barnyard millet is one of the nutritious millet which can be useful in managing the level of diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia etc. The aim of this study is to analyze the presence of phytochemical, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of barnyard millet at different forms such as raw millet, sprout millet and soaked millet. The phytochemical analysis was determined for alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannin, terpenoids, saponins, proteins and carbohydrates. The methanol extract of soaked millet showed highest total phenolic content of 54.5±0.00mg of GAE/g and also it had highest DPPH radical scavenging activity of 87.90%. The DPPH scavenging activity was high in raw millet and low in sprouted and soaked millet. This study shows that the barnyard millet can be a potential antioxidant source.