Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents of the Methanol Whole Plant Extract of Elytraria marginata   (Vahl)

Elytraria marginata (Vahl) isused in Nigeria folk medicine as febrifuges, pulmonary problems and cancer related ailments. This study evaluated scientifically the phytochemical screening, antioxidant, total phenolic and flavonoids contents of the whole plant extract with a view to validate its folkloric usage. The phytochemical constituents were ascertained using standard procedures. In vitroantioxidant properties of methanol whole plant extract (MWPE) were evaluated using the free radical scavenging activities by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and ferric reducing assays with ascorbic acid as control. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the various extracts were determined using gallic acid and quercetin as positive controls. Phytochemical analysis of MWPE showed presence of major classes of phytochemicals. In vitro antioxidant activities of the crude extracts were significant and comparable with the standard ascorbic acid.The high contents of total phenolic compounds (244.14 ± 1.62 mg GAE/g of dry extract) and total flavonoids (66.24 ± 2.22 mg QE/g of dry extract) indicated that these compounds contribute to the antioxidative activity. The present study, hence validates that the MWPE of Elytraria marginata might have good potential as a source for natural health products due to its antioxidant activities.

Keywords
Elytraria marginata; antioxidant activity; polyphenol compounds; flavonoids