Abstract
BackgroundMany oxidative stress related diseases are as a result of accumulation of free radicals in the body. A lot of researches are going on worldwide directed towards finding natural antioxidants of plants origins. The aims of this study were to evaluate in vitro antioxidant activities and to screen for phytochemical constituents of Helichrysum longifolium DC. [Family Asteraceae] aqueous crude extract.MethodsWe assessed the antioxidant potential and phytochemical constituents of crude aqueous extract of Helichrysum longifolium using tests involving inhibition of superoxide anions, DPPH, H2O2, NO and ABTS. The flavonoid, proanthocyanidin and phenolic contents of the extract were also determined using standard phytochemical reaction methods.ResultsPhytochemical analyses revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, steroids and saponins. The total phenolic content of the aqueous leaf extract was 0.499 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of extract powder. The total flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents of the plant were 0.705 and 0.005 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of extract powder respectively. The percentage inhibition of lipid peroxide at the initial stage of oxidation showed antioxidant activity of 87% compared to those of BHT (84.6%) and gallic acid (96%). Also, the percentage inhibition of malondialdehyde by the extract showed percentage inhibition of 78% comparable to those of BHT (72.24%) and Gallic (94.82%).ConclusionsOur findings provide evidence that the crude aqueous extract of H. longifolium is a potential source of natural antioxidants, and this justified its uses in folkloric medicines.
Highlights
Many oxidative stress related diseases are as a result of accumulation of free radicals in the body
Phytochemical Screening The phytochemical analysis conducted on H. longifolium extract revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, steroids and saponins
Free radical scavenging activities Total Antioxidant Capacity The in vitro antioxidant assay of the plant extract (Figure 1) reveals significant antioxidant potential compared with standard Butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) and gallic acid
Summary
Many oxidative stress related diseases are as a result of accumulation of free radicals in the body. The aims of this study were to evaluate in vitro antioxidant activities and to screen for phytochemical constituents of Helichrysum longifolium DC. Living cells may generate free radicals and other reactive oxygen species by-products as a results of physiological and biochemical processes. Plants are endowed with free radical scavenging molecules, such as vitamins, terpenoids, phenolic acids, lignins, stilbenes, tannins, flavonoids, quinones, coumarins, alkaloids, amines, betalains, and other metabolites, which are rich in antioxidant activity [2,3]. Belongs to the Asteraceae family and consists of an estimated 600 species. It occurs in Africa (with 244 species in South Africa), Madagascar, Australasia and Eurasia.
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