
The antioxidant properties of ethanolic extract of Euphorbia hirta Linn was tested using standard in vivo and in vitro models. Euphorbia hirta Linn (Euphorbiaceae) is commonly used in traditional medicines for the treatment of various ailments. In anti-lipid peroxidation assay, extract showed a decrease in the absorbance which was comparable with the standard ascorbic acid. In DPPH free radical scavenging assay, there was a decrease in the absorbance with increase in concentration, which indicate the antioxidant activity of Euphorbia hirta Linn. In reducing power assay, there was an increase in the absorbance with an increase in the concentration of Euphorbia hirta Linn, which indicate the reducing capacity of Euphorbia hirta Linn. In nitric oxide free radical scavenging assay, there was a decreased in the absorbance with increase in concentration, which was comparable with the standard ascorbic acid. In anti-lipid peroxidation assay, the Euphorbia extract showed a decrease in the absorbance which was comparable with the standard ascorbic acid.