Abstract

In the present investigation, leaves of Terminalia muelleri were assayed for their phytochemical constituents, as well as its free radical scavenging activity. The antioxidant effect was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical scavenging assay, the phytochemical constituents were screened to assess their corresponding effect on antioxidant activity. The results showed that the ethanol soluble fraction of T. muelleri possesses a potent radical-scavenging activity using the DPPH• (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging assay (IC50 value = 2.7 μg/mL, while the standard ascorbic acid has an IC50 value = 10.5 μg/mL).

Highlights

  • Free radicals including superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radical are chemically unstable atoms; they are generated during normal cellular function and are part of the natural physiological process of all living beings

  • The main objective of this study was to determine the phytochemical constituents of powdered leaves of T. muelleri, as well as investigate the free radical scavenging activity of T. muelleri leaf extract

  • Powdered leaves of T. muelleri were screened for the following phytoconstituents: carbohydrates and/ or glycosides, flavonoids, sterols and/ or triterpenes, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and anthraquinones according to the standard procedures [11, 12]. 2.5

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Summary

Introduction

Free radicals including superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radical are chemically unstable atoms; they are generated during normal cellular function and are part of the natural physiological process of all living beings. The imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant enzymes, results in damage to lipid cells, proteins, and DNA [1]. Natural and synthetic antioxidants can scavenge these free radicals. The high antioxidant capacity of plants may be due to certain phytochemical constituents, including flavonoids, tannins, and other phenolic compounds. These natural antioxidants act as reducing agents, hydrogen-donating antioxidants, and singlet oxygen quenchers owing to the presence of conjugated aromatic rings [2, 3]

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