Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the dried leaves  of Phragmanthera Incana (LORANTHACEAE) parasitic  on Elaeis Guineensis

Okiemute R. Johnson-Ajinwo,; Ijeoma F. Ozobu

Authors

Okiemute R. Johnson-Ajinwo, Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Ijeoma F. Ozobu Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Keywords:

Antioxidant activity, Elaeis Guineensis, Phragmanthera incana, Proximate analysis

Abstract

Background: Phragmanthera incana Schum belongs to the family Loranthaceae. This specie of mistletoe is mostly
found on trees in the South-western part of Nigeria. This study evaluated the chemical composition and antioxidant
potential of the leaves of Phragmanthera incana.
Methods: The pulverized dried leaf was extracted using dichloromethane and methanol (1:1) and partitioned into
respective fractions using n-hexane and methanol. Proximate analysis was done in accordance with the
recommendation of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Standard methods were used to
qualitatively detect phytochemical compounds while 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used to
quantitatively assay for antioxidant potential. Bioactive compounds were detected using GC-MS analysis.
Results: Proximate analysis showed 16.56% moisture, 14% ash, 13.13% crude protein, 1.80% crude fat, 44.29% crude
fiber and 10.22% carbohydrate. The phytochemical assay revealed the presence of alkaloid, saponin, carbohydrate,
sterol/triterpenoid, protein and cardiac glycoside. DPPH scavenging activity of the extract, methanol and n-hexane
fractions showed dose-dependent activities. N-hexane fraction demonstrated potent anti-oxidant activity. Data
analysis of the scavenging activity revealed that n-hexane at concentrations of 1250 and 2500µg/mL significantly
(p<0.001) scavenged DPPH free radicals in comparison with dichloromethane-methanol extract and methanol
fraction. GC-MS analysis revealed three important antioxidant bioactive compounds; phytol, tetradecanoic acid, ethyl
ester and hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester; associated with antioxidant activities.
Conclusion: The efficient antioxidant activity displayed by the extracts in this study has highlighted the potentials of
this plant in scavenging free radicals and underscores the need to harness the plant for development of new
therapeutics.

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