PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF SOLANUM ERIANTHUM

Abstract

The antioxidant and free radical scavenging ability of the extract was assessed against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^•) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The ability of the extract to reduce ferric ions to its ferrous form was also evaluated. The total phenols, flavonoids, tannins and saponin contents of the extract was also determined to assess its corresponding effect on the antioxidant potential of this plant. The activity of the extract against the free radicals was concentration dependent. The result revealed a linear correlation between the extract and its polyphenolic contents. This study provides evidence that the leaves of Solanum erianthum contain phytoconstituents which may serve as natural antioxidants_.