Antioxidant potentials of <i>Gongronema latifolium</i> (utazi) leaf extracts

Abstract

This investigation was carried out to explore the antioxidant potential of Gongronema latifolium (utazi) leaf extracts. The homogenised sample was extracted using two different solvents: methanol and aqueous. Total phenolic compounds, reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity of Gongronema latifolium leaf extracts were determined. Results showed that total phenol content was significantly (P<0.05) higher in methanol extract (2.73mgGAE/ml) than aqueous extract (1.13mgGAE/ml). DPPH radical scavenging activity was higher in methanol extract (17.94%) than aqueous extract (15.50%). The reducing power of methanol extract (0.94 ± 0.04) was non-significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of aqueous extract (0.20 ± 0.00). Based on this result, methanol extract of Gongronema latifolium revealed a higher antioxidant potential compared to aqueous extract. However, the study showed that Gongronema latifolium leaf extract is a good source of natural antioxidant due to its high antioxidant potentials.

Keywords: Gongronema latifolium, antioxidant, phytochemicals, spectrophotometer, herbal