Abstract
AbstractThe aqueous extracts of the edible parts of four common medicinal plants (Hibiscus sabdariffa, Telfairia occidentalis, Moringa oleifera and Ocimum gratissimum) readily consumed as food or supplements in many African settings are examined for some of their acclaimed pharmacological activities and possible potential associated risks. The classes of phytochemicals present are examined qualitatively and quantitatively, while the antioxidant activities were determined using three assays which include 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) assays. The anti-inflammatory activities were also examined using proteinase inhibitory assays and red blood cell membrane stabilisation assays. Both the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the plants indicated that the plants have potentials for applications in foods and nutraceuticals that can be used for the management of various ailments and diseases. However, the consu...
Highlights
Nature has endowed mankind with numerous plants of important medicinal values that have reportedly been used for the management of various ailments and diseases in human history
This study revealed that Hibiscus sabdariffa, Telfairia occidentalis, Moringa oleifera and Ocimum gratissimum are potential natural antioxidant sources with high anti-inflammatory activities
The calyx of H. sabdariffa showed the highest aqueous extractives followed by M. oleifera, while O. gratissimum showed the least indicating it contained less polar constituents
Summary
Nature has endowed mankind with numerous plants of important medicinal values that have reportedly been used for the management of various ailments and diseases in human history. Scientific attention has been re-directed to the fact that these bioactive agents are crucial for the direct or indirect management of human health today This is owing to the fact that plants containing these agents are relatively safe candidates for health care management in preference to synthetic drugs (Dubey, Kumar, & Tripathi, 2004). Pharmacological potentials of medicinal plants are due to the presence of plant-derived secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, phenolics and glycosides all of which use various mechanisms in the cure or management of diseases. Some of the medicinal plants mainly applied as food or nutraceuticals for various pharmacological activities in Nigeria includes Hibiscus sabdariffa, Telfairia occidentalis, Moringa oleifera and Ocimum gratissimum
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