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U. Njoku Obioma ¹, Joshua ², Parker Elijah ², Okonkwo ², C. Chukwudi ²

Affiliations
1 Lipid & Lipoprotein Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, NG
2 Lipid and Lipoprotein Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, IN

Abstract

Gongronema latifolia (Utazi) is a plant found in the tropical regions of West Africa. The phytochemical analysis and the antioxidant activities of Gongronema latifolia were investigated. The acute toxicity of the plant was found to be 2450mg/kg body weight, indicating that the plant is safe for consumption. The ethanol extract of the plant gave a yield of 17.94%. The phytochemical analysis on the leaves extract revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, resins, carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils, steroids, and terpenoids with higher levels of flavonoids and alkaloids. The antioxidant properties of ethanol extract of the plant were evaluated in vitro with rat liver homogenate. The ethanol extract of the plant showed a significant inhibition with nitric oxide, ferrous sulphate and carbon tetrachloride induced lipid peroxidation activities which were comparable with ascorbic acid. The inhibition was found to be concentration dependent. From this study, it was found that the plant is a potent scavenger of free radicals and can ameliorate the effects of oxidative stress which have been implicated in most pathological conditions.

Keywords

Gongronema latifolia, Antioxidant, Free Radicals, Peroxidation.

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O. Obidoa ¹, Joshua ¹, Parker Elijah ¹, Egemole ¹, C. John ¹, Ikeyi Adachukwu ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, NG
2 Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Biochemistry Option), Institute of Management & Technology, Enugu, Enugu State, NG

Abstract

The phytochemical analyses of Hibiscus sabdariffa was extensively carried out using Harborne method. The qualitative test of the phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of some secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, acidic compounds and steroids. Macronutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and reducing sugars were also found to be present. The results of the analyses also revealed the differences in solubility of the phytochemicals and macronutrients in polar solvent (water). In this study, flavonoids, tannins and carbohydrates were found to be present in higher concentration. On the other hand, bioactive compounds such as glycosides, steroids, acidic compounds, proteins and reducing sugars were found to be present in moderate concentration while alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids and fats and oil were absent in the zobo flower.

Keywords

Hibiscus sabdariffa, Phytochemicals, Macronutrients, Zobo.

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U. Njoku Obioma ¹, Joshua ¹, Parker Elijah ¹, C. Ossai Emmanuel ¹, Agu ¹, Chidozie Victor ¹, O. Ugwuanyi Juliana ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, NG

Abstract

Murraya koenigii (curry) is a plant found in the tropical regions of western Africa. The phytochemical analysis and the antioxidant activities of Murraya koenigii were carried out as well as the acute toxicity of the plant. The result of the acute toxicity showed that, the plant had LD50 of 4000mg/kg body weight, indicating non toxicity of the plant when consumed. The plant was found to contain carbohydrates, proteins, saponin, alkaloids, flavonoids and steroids. The lipid peroxidation scarvenging activity of the ethanol extract was assayed using rat liver homogenate. The extract of the plant showed a dose-dependent activity with sodium nitriprusside, carbon tetrachloride and ferrous sulphate induced lipid peroxidation. The antioxidant activities of the plant were significant when compared with ascorbic acid. It was evident that Murraya koenigii possess some antioxidant properties and its consumption can reduce the effects caused by oxidative stress.

Keywords

Murraya koenigii, Antioxidant, Free Radicals, Nitric Oxide.

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