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

Abstract

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