Pill-millipedes (Arthrosphaera: Sphaerotheriida) of the Western Ghats: a future source of antioxidants?

Along with plant sources, arthropods (such as millipedes) are also known for their antioxidant activities that can help combat human ailments. Therefore, methanolic extracts of males and females of two endemic giant pill-millipedes of the Western Ghats (Arthrosphaera fumosa Pocock and Arthrosphaera magna Attems) were evaluated for antioxidant potential. The bioactive principles and activities assessed were total phenolics, total antioxidant activity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl or DPPH radical scavenging, ferrous ion chelation, reducing power and hydrogen peroxidase scavenging. Significant differences were shown between the two species, the sexes and the sexes within millipede species in total antioxidant activity, DPPH radical scavenging and ferrous ion chelation. Total phenolics and EC50 of DPPH radical scavenging activity differed significantly only between species and the sexes. This study clearly demonstrated that the antioxidant capacity of the methanolic extract of Arthrosphaera spp. is comparable to the ascorbic acid standard and possesses potential scavenging ability against reactive oxygen species generated during oxidative stress.