In vitro Antioxidant Activity of Salacia lehmbachii Ethanol Root Bark Extract
Godwin Christian Akuodor *
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Grace Akanimo Essiet
Department of Pharmacology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria
Augustine Dick Essien
Department of Pharmacology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria
Francis Vincent Udoh
Department of Pharmacology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria
Donald Emeka Ogiji
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Solomon Kingsley Nwadum
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Emmanuel Micheal Nworie
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This work was undertaken to investigate the in vitro antioxidant activity of S. lehmbachii ethanol root bark extract.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, University of Calabar, Nigeria, between June, 2013 and October, 2015.
Methods: Antioxidant activity of the root extract was evaluated using DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhdrayl) radical, Nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays.
Results: A significant inhibition at different concentration of the extract was observed with DPPH radical, nitric oxides and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities when compared with ascorbic acid.
Conclusion: The results of the study show that the ethanol root bark extract of S. lehmbachii may serve as a good scavenger of free radicals, hence reduces the effects of oxidative stress in the body and could be explored as a therapeutic agent in free radical induced diseases.
Keywords: Free radicals, Salacia lehmbachii, DPPH, Nitric oxide, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity