Methods

Bioactivity Assays

Common laboratory assays used to quantify biological activity in extracts and purified compounds.

Colorimetric radical-scavenging method commonly used for antioxidant screening.

Plate-based colorimetric methods can quantify reducing capacity or other biochemical endpoints.

Zones of inhibition can provide an initial screen for antimicrobial activity.

Select an assay that directly measures the endpoint relevant to the hypothesis.

Include blank, negative, vehicle and positive controls where appropriate. Controls make the result interpretable.

A single concentration rarely explains potency, dose-response or toxicity.

Document sample preparation, concentrations, incubation conditions, wavelength/readout and statistical analysis.