In vitro studies to assess the antioxidative, radical scavenging and arginase inhibitory potentials of extracts from Artocarpus altilis, Ficus exasperate and Kigelia africana

Abstract

Objective: To justify the use of Artocarpus altilis (A. altilis), Ficus exasperata (F. exasperata) and Kigelia africana (K. africana) in ethnomedicine for the treatment of several ailments and to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant, radical scavenging and arginase inhibitory potentials of these herbs and compared with catechin (Standard). Methods: Antioxidant activities were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl (OH) radicals scavenging methods. The flavonoids and phenolics content, inhibition of arginase activity, Fe2+/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) and reducing power were also determined. Results: The A. altilis, F. exasperata and K. africana showed dose-dependent and significant scavenging of DPPH, H2O2 and OH radicals in vitro relative to catechin. The A. altilis and F. exasperata effectively scavenged DPPH radical with IC50 of 593 and 635 μg/mL and, OH radical with IC50 of 487 and 514 μg/mL, respectively. The DPPH and OH radicals scavenging activities followed the order A. altilis>F. exasperata>K. africana. In addition, A. altilis and F. exasperata significantly (PCatechin>F. exasperata>K. africana at 1 000 μg/mL. The A. altilis at 500 and 750 μg/mL significantly (P<0.05) inhibited arginase activity by 63% and 67%, respectively. The flavonoids contents were found to be highest in A. altilis. Conclusions: Extracts of A. altilis and F. exasperata are potent antioxidative agents with strong radical scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

Keywords

• Antioxidant
• lipid peroxidation
• Arginase
• Free radicals