Bioactive Components of Ficus exasperata, Moringa oleifera and Jatropha tanjorensis Leaf Extracts and Evaluation of their Antioxidant Properties
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Date
2019
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Publisher
EurAsian Journal of BioSciences
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigated the phytochemistry and in vitro free radical scavenging activities of
aqueous leaf extract of Ficus exasperata (FE), Moringa oleifera (MO) and Jatropha tanjorensis (JT).
Methods: Spectrophotometric evaluation was employed in the determination of the total phenols,
total flavonoids, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition, nitric oxide (NO●) radical
inhibition, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC).
Results: Qualitative screening of bioactive compounds confirmed the presence of terpenes,
flavonoids and phenols in all extracts amidst other phytochemicals. Total phenols and total flavonoids
estimation were highest in Ficus exasperata (96.10 ± 2.70 mg gallic acid equivalent g-1 and 28.45 ±
1.80 mg catechin equivalent g-1, respectively). Moringa oleifera leaf extract exhibited the highest
radical scavenging activity against DPPH and NO● radicals, while Jatropha tanjorensis exhibited the
highest FRAP and TAOC. Nitric oxide radical inhibition by M. oleifera extract was significantly higher
(p<0.05) at 7.0 mg mL-1 (64.7 ± 0.32%). The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of the plant
leaves for FRAP and TAOC were in the order JT < MO < FE, whereas for DPPH and NO● scavenging
activities the IC50 values were in the order MO < JT < FE.
Conclusions: The findings of this study clearly showed that the antioxidant properties of M. oleifera
and J. tanjorensis leaves were higher than those of F. exasperata. The knowledge of the different
bioactive components and antioxidant prowess of these medicinal plants could be used as a guide
in making the choice of medicinal plant to use for treatment or prophylaxis against cellular aberrations
in which oxidative stress is implicated.
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Keywords
Antioxidant, Ficus exasperata, Free radicals, Jatropha tanjorensis, Moringa oleifera
Citation
Anigboro AA, Avwioroko OJ, Ohwokevwo OA, Pessu B (2019) Bioactive components of Ficus exasperata, Moringa oleifera and Jatropha tanjorensis leaf extracts and evaluation of their antioxidant properties. Eurasia J Biosci 13: 1763-1769.