In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Estimation of Total Phenolic Content in Ethyl Acetate Extract of Ocimum Gratissimum

Antioxidants play an important role in inhibiting and scavenging free radicals, thus providing protection to human against degenerative diseases. Current research is now directed towards natural antioxidants originated from plants due to safe therapeutics. Ocimum gratissimum is used in traditional medicine for a wide range of various ailments. To understand the mechanism of pharmacological actions and investigate the antioxidant activity of the plant. The antioxidant properties of the Ocimum gratissimum ethyl acetate extract were tested using standard in vitro models and total phenolic content. The antioxidant activity of the extract increased in a dose dependent manner as well as the reducing power indicating some compounds in Ocimum gratissimum is both electron donors and could react with free radicals to convert them into more stable products and to terminate chain reactions. The extract had IC50 values for chelating effect of to be 5.51 mg/ml. In DPPH radical scavenging assay, the IC50 value was 1.58 mg/ml. The extract was found to inhibit the nitric oxide radicals generated from sodium nitroprusside, the IC50 values for nitric oxide scavenging ability was 13.17 mg/ml. However, it was also found to inhibit the hydroxyl radical generated by the deoxyribose method, the IC50 values was 6.48mg/ml. The total phenolic contents of Ocimum gratissimum determined in this study were 10.34±0.47 mg GAE/g.This study suggests that the extract of Ocimum gratissimum have potent antioxidant activity against free radicals, prevent oxidative damage to major biomolecules and afford significant protection against oxidative damage

Phytochemical, Proximate Analysis and Mineral Composition of Aqueous Crude Extract of Ficus Asperifolia Miq

To determine the chemical constituents, proximate, phytochemical analysis and mineral composition of the crude aqueous extract of the leaves of Ficus asperifolia. The extracts were subjected to proximate and phytochemical screening. The mineral contents were determined using standard biochemical methods and equipment. Phytochemical studies carried out on aqueous extract of Ficus asperifolia leaves showed the presence of alkaloid, saponin, phenol, tannin, cardiac glycoside, steroid, cardenolides and phlobatannins while terpenes, flavonoids, anthraquinones and chalcones were not detected. Analyses showed that the sample has high level of Carbohydrate (42.64%), moderate amount of Crude Fibre and Protein (18.41 and 14.73%), respectively and little amount of Ash content (9.78%) and Crude Fat (3.16%). Also a considerable level (11.29%) of moisture was shown. This composition shows that the sample could be a good source of Carbohydrate, Dietary Fibre and Protein. Sodium and Potassium content (0.185±0.002 and 0.367±0.007%), respectively indicates the tendency of Ficus asperifolia to be able to regulate or control the osmotic balance of the body fluid as well as body pH. Ficus asperifolia is also found to be rich in Phosphorus (0.349±0.002%) and Calcium (0.203±0.002%), which is essential for bone formation. Magnesium, (0.428±0.003%) is also present, which could help to lower the blood pressure. Antioxidant minerals Zinc (64.45±0.15 mg/kg), Iron (7.00±0.20 mg/kg), Copper (13.35±0.15 mg/kg) and Selenium (0.0027±0.01 mg/kg) are also present. Our findings therefore, suggest that there is an indication that Ficus asperifolia contains important phytochemicals, proximate and mineral compounds that may be linked to its beneficial effects on health