Abstract
Medicinal plants contain natural bio-active constituents in various parts called photochemical that are of therapeutic importance. This research was undertaken to determine the phytochemical constituents and in-vitro antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate extract of Dryopteris dilatata leaves (DDL). Phytochemical analysis was determined on the plant samples following established protocols. The antioxidant property of Dryopteris dilatata leaves was evaluated using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), superoxide scavenging radical activity (SSRA) and hydroxyl radical activity (OH) assay. The results of the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of the following phenols, terpenoid, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides and saponins, while steroids, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids and phlobotannins were below detectable levels. DDL leaves produced significant (P<0.05) levels of ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), superoxide scavenging radical activity (SSRA) and hydroxyl radical activity (OH) in a concentration dependent manner compared to the reference antioxidants, ascorbic acid and manitol; therefore, the extract could serve as free radical scavenger, acting as primary antioxidants. Based on the phytoconstituents and antioxidant activities, it could be concluded that D. dilatata could be of great value in the management of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and cancer, among other diseases that could be caused as a result of oxidative stress. This calls for further exploration of its bioactive compound. Key words: Phytochemicals, Dryopteris dilatata, in-vitro antioxidant and, oxidative stress.
Highlights
Since ancient time, herbal remedies have been a natural source of medicines that have been implicated traditionally in the prevention and treatment of a wide range of human diseases in many parts of the world, where cost and several undesired side effects has limited the prospect of some conventional medicines (Priyanga et al, 2014)
The reducing power of ethyl acetate extract was seen in a concentration-dependent manner at 250 ug/ml where there is maximum value, and decreases as the concentration reduces for ethyl acetate which has significant ferric reducing power compared to the reference compound ascorbic acid (Table 2)
Hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity of ethyl acetate leaf extract of D. dilatata leaves was seen in concentration-dependent manner with the maximum inhibition at 125 ug/ml and declined as the concentration reduces compared to the reference antioxidants manitol (Table 3)
Summary
Herbal remedies have been a natural source of medicines that have been implicated traditionally in the prevention and treatment of a wide range of human diseases in many parts of the world, where cost and several undesired side effects has limited the prospect of some conventional medicines (Priyanga et al, 2014). These medicinal plants contain natural bioactive constituents in their various parts known as the phytochemical which include carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids, steroids, tapenoids, alkaloids, tannins compounds. Medicinal plants with numerous active ingredients have bioactive and chemical entities with various pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antibacterial, analgesic, antiinflammatory, antitumor, antiviral and other activities
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