Antioxidant Activities of the Aqueous Extracts of Pedalium murex D. Royen EX L. Fruit and Leafy Stem

Aims: The leafy stem and fruit of P.murex have been reported to be used in folk medicine to treat male reproductive system ailments. This study was undertaken to assess the antioxidant potential of the aqueous extracts of P.murex leafy stem and fruit.

Methodology: Extracts were prepared by macerating the powder in water. Total phenolics amount were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, flavonoids were quantified by aluminum chloride method and total tannin content was estimated by hexacyanoferric method. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts were assessed through 2,2´-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, reducing power assay, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) inhibition assay and lipid peroxidation assay.

Results: Total phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins content were respectively equal to 48.91± 1.67 µg/mg Gallic Acid Equivalents (GAE); 56.01± 0.90 µg/mg Rutin Equivalents (RUE); 16.92± 1.22 µg/mg Tannic Acid Equivalents (TAE) for the leafy stem extract while they were equal to 26.26± 0.54 µg/mg GAE; 47.88± 2.39 µg/mg RUE; 7.94± 0.31 µg/mg TAE for the fruit. The leafy stem extract exhibited a more pronounced DPPH scavenging activity, reducing power, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation activity than the fruit extract.

Conclusion: The antioxidant activity of the leafy stem aqueous extract was significantly more potent than that of the fruit extract. Further studies will find out the extracts pharmacological efficacy and innocuity.