This study was carried out to identify the phytochemicals present and in vitro antioxidant activity of methanol leaf extract of Synsepalum dulcificum (MSD). Standard protocols were used to evaluate the total phenols, total flavonoids and total antioxidants content of the extract. Nitric oxide (NO), hydroxyl radical (OH), ABTS·+ and 2,2-diphenyl -1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals scavenging activity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the ability of MSD to chelate ferrous ion as well its reductive potential were also evaluated. HPLC was used to confirm the presence of polyphenols and carotenoids. Results showed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides in the extract. Among others, appreciable levels of potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium were detected in the extract. The extract showed a high DPPH, ABTS·+, hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals scavenging activity. The IC50 of the extract for DPPH, NO, OH-, and ABTS·+ radicals scavenging assays were 139.45 μg/ml, 119.17 μg/ml, 147.65 μg/ml, and 135.83 μg/ml respectively. The total phenol and total flavonoids of MSD were estimated to be 3.244 mg/gTAE and 13.02 mg/gQE respectively. It could be inferred that MSD showed appreciable in vitro antioxidant activity and could be useful in preventing and ameliorating diseases in which free radicals are implicated.
Key words: Keywords: Flavonoids, reducing power, trolox, free radical, biochemical.
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