Evaluation of antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Entada africana guill. et Perr. (Mimosaceae) organ extracts

Entada africana is an endangered West African medicinal plant because of a large scale use of its roots. To evaluate and compare the medicinal potential of all plant parts for a sustainable use the radical scavenging activity (DPPH method) and the phenolic compound contents (Folin-Ciocalteu method) of aerial parts and roots were investigated. Aqueous extracts of leaves, stem barks and roots were used for this investigation. Methanol extract was also used for the roots. The fourth extracts showed high radical scavenging activity (ranging from 1.27-3.36 μg LL-1) similar to those of quercetin, rutoside and ascorbic acid (0.8, 5.20 and 5.32 μg mL-1, respectively). Fractions obtained from the four extracts with chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and water also showed high activity with EC, ranging from 3.39-16.72 pg mL-1 except chloroform fractions (EC50>36 μg mL-1). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the four extracts and their twelve fractions were quite high, ranging from 17.10-43.50% TAE. The leave extracts showed an interesting free radical scavenging activity and phenolic content as to be preconized for use instead of the roots. © Medwell Journal, 2010.