Abstract
The study was carried out on Senecio biafrae and Basella alba to promote their utilization as a support for promoting healthy diets. Phytochemical screening and determination of reducing power of different concentrations (1-5 mg ml-1) of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts; using ferric reducing antioxidant assay and phosphomolybdate method were carried out. The antimicrobial activities of the extracts against selected pathogen at 0.05g/ml were evaluated by using agar well diffusion method for antibacterial and poisoned food technique for antifungal assays. The results revealed the presence of flavonoid, tannin, terpenoid and saponin in the extracts. Correlation analysis revealed positively strong correlation between the total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenol content (TPC) with the reducing property. For ferric reduction, the range was TFC (r = 0.944 – 0.967) and TPC (r = 0.937-0.970) for B.alba extracts and TFC (r = 0.918 – 0.976) and TPC (r = 0.947 – 0.990) for S. bifrae at between 0.01 and 0.05 significant levels. All the fractions showed concentration dependent increase in their total antioxidant property (TAP) with positively strong correlations with corresponding TFC and TPC in the range TFC (r = 0.971 – 0.991); TPC (r = 0.945 -0.980) for B. alba and TFC (r = 0.957 – 0.983); TPC (r = 0.966 – 0.991) for S. biafrae at 0.01- 0.05 significant levels. The vegetables exhibited mild antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi compared with streptomycin sulphate used as control but appreciable antifungal activities against (Fusarium solani, Trichoderma rubrum and Aspergillus fumigates) compared with bonlate antibiotic positive control. The vegetables possess appreciable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties for promoting good health, their cultivation and utilization should be encouraged especially in the face of health and economic challenges; and food insecurity in many parts of the world.
Highlights
Plants like fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants possess many biologically active compounds, making them potential source of therapeutic agents since ancient times [1,2]
The methanol extracts of both vegetables were similar to aqueous and ethanol extracts except that they tested negative to steroid (Table 1) and only methanolic extract of B. alba tested positive to terpenoid
The result of this screening is close to the findings of Ajiboye et al [23] where an aqueous extract of Senecio biafrae leaves was found to test positive to steroids, glycosides, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, phlobatannin and tannins but negative to anthraquinones and terpenes
Summary
Vegetables and medicinal plants possess many biologically active compounds, making them potential source of therapeutic agents since ancient times [1,2]. There is increasing interest in the use of natural products because of several lethal diseases which are very common in modern times; and scientific evidences abound that majority of these chronic conditions are related to diet and life style. There is a wide spread belief that natural food and medicine are healthier than processed and synthetic products. This is why food based approach and development of new drugs from natural products are considered important interventions in the action plan against chronic diseases. Fresh succulent leaves of Senecio biafrae are used as food, usually cooked as a leafy vegetable for its unique taste, and flavour, especially among the rural and local population. Studies have established its substantial nutritional and medicinal value [5,6,7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
