ANALYZING THE EFFECT OF ALTITUDINAL VARIATION IN ENZYMATIC ANTIOXIDANTS OF Coleus forskohlii FROM UTTARAKHAND, INDIA

Enzymatic antioxidant activity of the five populations of the medicinal plant Coleus forskohlii from five locations of varied altitudes was assayed to analyze the effect of altitude on the enzymatic antioxidant potential. The various enzymes assayed were SOD, CAT, POD, PPO, APX, and GR. Highest activity for all the enzymes was observed at higher altitudes. Strong positive correlation was observed between the protein content, enzyme activities and altitude. CAT, POD and GR activity increases significantly with the altitude while SOD was least affected. APX and PPO show positive correlation. The high activity of all these enzymes seems to be to combat the high oxidative stress at higher altitudes. Results of the present study suggest that Coleus forskohlii population growing at a higher altitude has higher antioxidant potential than those at a lower altitude. Thus, the population of Coleus forskohlii from a higher altitude can be used as a source of antioxidants and for commercial propagation.