Abstract
Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of Chrysophyllum albidum, Mezoneuron benthamianum, Phyllanthus muellerianus and Acalypha fimbriata. All the four plants contained alkaloids, tannin and flavonoids. Steroids and anthraquinone were present in C. albidum, M. benthamianum, A. fimbriata. Saponin was present in C. albidum, M. benthamianum and P. muellerianus. Terpenoids were found in C. albidum and A. fimbriata. Cardiac glycosides was present in C. albidum, P. muellerianus and A. fimbriata. The antioxidant activities of the plants were evaluated using DPPH free radical scavenging activity, Nitric oxide scavenging activity and Reducing power activity. Chrysophyllum albidum had the lowest calculated IC50 for DPPH and NO assessment, 0.913 mg/ml and 117.818 µg/ml respectively. C. albidum also showed the highest value of total antioxidant capacity, 70.36. Acalypha fimbriata had the lowest IC50 for Reducing power potential,11.007 µg/ml but a total antioxidant capacity of 48.9. The Iron II chelation ability of the plants were dose dependent with Acalypha fimbriata showing the closest potential to the standard EDTA and Chrysophyllum albidum showing the least potential. The research has shown that the phytoconstituents and the antioxidant properties of these medicinal plants would be responsible for the therapeutic claims of the plants.
Highlights
Medicinal plants are of great importance in drug development and humans have used them for different diseases from the beginning of human history (Rahman et al, 2017).The medicinal power of plants lies in phytochemical constituents that cause definite pharmacological actions on the human body (Akinmoladun et al, 2007)
MATERIALS AND METHODS Collection of Plant Samples: Batches of Chrysophyllum albidum fruits, Phyllanthus muellerianus and Acalypha fimbriata were purchased in Mushin market in Lagos State, while Mezoneuron benthamianum plant was obtained from Iberekodo market in Ogun State, Nigeria
The seed of C. albidum was shown to be hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic by Olorunnisola et al The hypoglycemic and the hypolipidemic effect could be due to the presence of saponin in the plant since saponin had been reported to be useful in treating hyperglycaemia (Malinow et al, 1977)
Summary
Medicinal plants are of great importance in drug development and humans have used them for different diseases from the beginning of human history (Rahman et al, 2017).The medicinal power of plants lies in phytochemical constituents that cause definite pharmacological actions on the human body (Akinmoladun et al, 2007). A number of studies have focused on the biological activities of phenolic compounds which are potential antioxidants and free radical scavengers (Rice-Evans et al, 1995; Cespedes et al, 2008; Reddy et al, 2008; Chanda and Dave, 2009). A free radical is defined as any atom or molecule possessing unpaired electrons. It can be formed in living organisms by both endogenously (respiration, peroxisomes stimulation of polymorphonuclear leucocytes and macrophages) and exogenously (ionizing radiation, tobacco smoke, pollutants, pesticides and organic solvents) (Irshad and Chaudhuri, 2002).These free radicals are produced by our body to stabilize the body’s natural function. The excess amount of free radical could cause oxidative cell and tissue damage (Sen et al, 2010). Antioxidants are absolutely critical for maintaining optimal cellular and systemic health and wellbeing (Van et al, 2000)
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