Abstract
Prolonged hyperglycemia enhances oxidative stress. Bioactive compounds extracted possess antioxidant, anti-free radical potentials or the ability to reduce blood sugar levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of extracts of stem bark of Coula edulis Baill., their abilities to trap free radicals and glucose, as well as their ability to inhibit α-amylase and invertase activities. In vitro assays were used to test the trapping capacity of extracts on DPPH, ABTS, NO, and OH radicals; to evaluate the antioxidant capacity, the activity of glycosylation and the capacity of inhibition of the activities of α-amylase and invertase were conducted. Also, phenolic, flavonoid and alkaloid contents of extracts were determined. Results showed that extracts of the stem bark of C. edulis have anti-radical properties. The extracts chelate DPPH, hydroxyl (OH), nitrite oxide (NO), ABTS radicals, and even glucose. The IC50 values varied depending on the nature of the extraction solvent. Ethanolic extract has the highest polyphenolic content (289.12 ± 30.31 µg catechin equivalent/g), flavonoids (1.12 ± 0.09 µg quercetin equivalent/g) and alkaloids (5.54 ± 0.59 µg quinin equivalent/g). The extracts also reduce invertase and α-amylase activities. C. edulis extracts present strong antioxidant potentials and can be used as a source of natural antioxidants for the prevention of oxidative stress and hyperglycemia.
Highlights
Oxidation process is one of the most important means for producing free radicals in food, drugs and even living systems (Khettaf et al, 2016)
Free radicals are present in higher concentration beyond the antioxidant capacity of a biological system, this gives a disturbance between the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance in favour of the former, rise to an imbalance known as oxidative stress (Zima et al, 2001)
This study demonstrated the free radical scavenging and antioxidant effects of C. edulis a Cameroonian non-timber forest product which the walnuts are used like foods and stem bark are used in local traditional plates
Summary
Oxidation process is one of the most important means for producing free radicals in food, drugs and even living systems (Khettaf et al, 2016). Cells have a comprehensive array of antioxidant defense mechanisms to reduce free radical formation or limit their damaging effects (Badmus et al, 2011) These antioxidants mechanism protect human cells against free radical damage by enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, or non-enzymatic compounds such as ascorbic acid, tocopherol and glutathione (Moukette et al, 2016). These antioxidants are used to counteract the harmful effects of free radicals. They stabilize or deactivate free radicals, often before they attack targets in biological cells
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