Phytochemical screening, in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Periploca chevalieri, an endemic medicinal plant from Cabo Verde

Abstract

Periploca chevalieri Browicz (Apocynaceae) is an endemic species of Cabo Verde. The aerial part of this medicinal plant is used to treat cough, diabetes symptoms and as cardiotonic. This study focused on the phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity of Periploca chevalieri. The phytochemical screening of aqueous and hydroethanolic (70%) extracts was made through TLC, and major class of compounds (total phenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins) were estimated colorimetrically. The antioxidant activity was determined through the assessment of the reduction capacity (CUPRAC and FRAP) and radical scavenging capacity (DPPH assay). The antimicrobial activity was determined by the broth microdilution method (range of concentrations between 156.25 µg/mL and 2500 µg/mL), against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.