Evaluation of phytochemicals, antioxidant contents and in vitro antioxidant activities of a combined ethanol extract of Spermacoce radiata and Hypselodelphys poggeana leaves

Subject Areas : Journal of Medicinal Herbs, "J. Med Herb" (Formerly known as Journal of Herbal Drugs or J. Herb Drug)

Robert Uroko ¹ , Chinedu Aguwamba ² , Chinomso Aaron ³ , Paul Nweje-Anyalowu ⁴ , Mercylyn Uche ⁵

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Received: 2022-06-18 Accepted : 2022-09-23 Published : 2022-11-22

Keywords: antioxidants, free radicals, phytochemicals, Spermacoce radiata, Hypselodelphy spoggeana,

Abstract :

Background & Aim: Oxidative stress causes lipid peroxidation, damages various macromolecules, tissues and organs, and is involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Antioxidant supplementation could help scavenge free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. This study evaluated the phytochemicals, antioxidant compositions and in vitro antioxidant activities of a combined extract of Spermacoce radiata and Hypselodelphy spoggeana leaves (CEESH).Experimental: This study determined phytochemicals and antioxidant vitamins contained in CEESH. The in vitro antioxidant activities of CEESH comprising DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), nitric oxide, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were assayed.Results: The phytochemical results indicated substantial amounts of total phenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, along with moderate amounts of tannins, flavonoids, and steroids in CEESH with a low glycoside concentration, but saponin was not detected. The plant extract also showed substantial concentrations of vitamins A, C, and E.The DPPH, nitric oxide, FRAP, TAC and TBARS for the CEESH indicated that the extract has substantial free radical scavenging activities. The CEESH demonstrated a dose-dependent significant increase in the nitric oxide, TAC, and TBARS scavenging activities, while the CEESH showed dose-dependent marked increase in FRAP within a concentration range of 40–640 µg/mL. The half-optimal effective concentration (EC50) values of the CEESH for DPPH, nitric oxide, and TBARS were 7.23, 39.40, and 63.41 µg/mL, respectively.Recommended applications/industries: These findings suggest that CEESH contains abundant phytochemicals and antioxidant vitamins and possesses high free radical scavenging potential. Therefore, CEESH could be a viable therapeutic agent for managing oxidative stress.

References:

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Amirkia, V. and Heinrich, M. 2014. Alkaloids as drug leads: A predictive structural and biodiversity-based analysis. Phytochemistry Letter, 10: 43-48.

Banerjee, A., Dasgupta, N. and De, B. 2005. In vitro study of antioxidant activity of Syzygium cumini fruit. Food Chemistry, 90(4): 727-733.

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Dissanayake, D.P., Abeytunga, D.T.U., Vasudewa, N.S. and Ratnasooriya, W.D. 2009. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation by extracts of Pleurotus ostreatus, Pharmacognosy Magazine, 5(19): 266-271

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Ericson-Neilsen, W. and Kaye, A.D. 2014. Steroids: pharmacology, complications, and practice delivery issues. Ochsner Journal, 14(2): 203-207.

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Golbidi, S., Ebadi, S.A. and Laher, I. 2011. Antioxidants in the treatment of diabetes. Current Diabetes Reviews, 7(2): 106-125.

Gyamfi, M.A., Yonamine, M. and Aniya, Y. 1999. Free-radical scavenging action of medicinal herbs from Ghana: Thonningia sanguinea on experimentally-induced liver injuries. General Pharmacology: The Vascular System, 32(6): 661-667.

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Hazra, B., Biswas, S. and Mandal, N. 2008. Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of Spondias pinnata. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 8:63.

Heinrich, M., Mah, J. and Amirkia, V. 2021. Alkaloids used as medicines: structural phytochemistry meets biodiversity-an update and forward look. Molecules, 25: 26(7): 1836.

Huang, W. Y., Cai, Y. Z. and Zhang, Y. 2010. Natural phenolic compounds from medicinal herbs and dietary plants: potential use for cancer prevention. Nutrition and Cancer, 62(1): 1-20.

Lalhminghlui, K. and Jagetia, G.C. 2018. Evaluation of the free-radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of Chilauni, Schima wallichii Korth in vitro. Future Science OA, 4(2): FSO272.

Liguori, I., Russo, G., Curcio, F., Bulli, G., Aran, L., Della-Morte, D., Gargiulo, G., Testa, G., Cacciatore, F., Bonaduce, D. and Abete, P. 2018. Oxidative stress, aging, and diseases. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 13:757-772.

Lu, J.M., Lin, P.H., Yao, Q. and Chen, C. 2010. Chemical and molecular mechanisms of antioxidants: experimental approaches and model systems. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 14(4):840-60.

Marcocci, L., Maguire, J.J., Droylefaix, M.T. and Packer, L. 1994. The nitric oxide-scavenging properties of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 201(2): 748-755.

Maruthupandian, A. and Mohan, V.R. 2011. Anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant activity of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb in alloxan induced diabetic rats. International Journal of PharmTech Research, 3:1681-1687

Pearson, D. 1976. The chemical analysis of foods 7^th ed. Edinburgh London and New York: Churchill Livingstone, pp. 387-497.

Pirbalouti, A.G., Setayesh, M., Siahpoosh, A. and Mashayekhi, H. 2013. Antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoids contents of three herbs used as condiments and additives in pickles products. Herba Polonica, 59(3): 51-62.

Pizzino, G., Irrera, N., Cucinotta, M., Pallio, G., Mannino, F., Arcoraci, V., Squadrito, F., Altavilla, D. and Bitto, A. 2017. Oxidative Stress: Harms and benefits for human health. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2017:8416763.

Rahman, M.M., Islam, M.B., Biswas, M. and Alam, K. 2015. In vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of different parts of Tabebuia pallid growing in Bangladesh. BMC Research Notes, 8:621-630.

Samuel, J., B., Stanley, J. A., Princess R. A., Shanthi P. and Sebastian M. S. 2001. Gestational cadmium exposure-induced ovotoxicity delays puberty through oxidative stress and impaired steroid hormone levels. Journal of Medical Toxicology, 7(3): 195-204.

Singh, R.P., Sharad, S. and Kapur S. 2004. Free radicals and oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases: Relevance of dietary antioxidants. Journal Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine, 5: 218-225.

Subhan, N., Burrows, G.E., Kerr, P.G. and Obied, H.K. 2018. Phytochemistry, Ethnomedicine, and Pharmacology of Acacia. In: Atta-ur-Rahman, editor. Studies in Natural Products Chemistry. Vol 57. Elsevier; Amsterdam, The Netherlands, pp. 247–326.

Traber, M.G. and Stevens, J.F. 2011. Vitamins C and E: beneficial effects from a mechanistic perspective. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 51(5):1000-1013.

Ullah, A., Munir, S., Badshah, S.L., Khan, N., Ghani, L., Poulson, B.G., Emwas, A.H. and Jaremko, M. 2020. Important flavonoids and their role as a therapeutic agent. Molecules, 25(22): 5243.

Uroko, R.I., Anyiam, P.N., Uhuo, E.N. and Ajah, O. 2021. Combined ethanol extract of Spermacoce radiata and Hypselodelphy spoggeana prevents renal damage and dyslipidemia in benign prostatic hyperplasia induced rats. Journal of Medicinal Herbs, 12(4): 43-52.

Uroko, R.I., Ijioma, S.N., Ogwo, E.U. and Awah, F.M. 2022. Combined ethanol extract of Hypselodelphy spoggeana and Spermacoce radiata leaves ameliorate benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats via modulation of serum sex hormonal levels. Research in Pharmacy, 26(4): 742-752.

Uroko, R.I., Nwuke, C.P., Uchenna, O.N., Asadu, C.L., Dingwoke, E.J., Adamude, F.A. and Nwobodo, N.N. 2019. Hepatocurative effects of methanol extract of Acanthus montanus leaves on acetaminophen-induced liver failure in rats. Drug Invention Today, 11(9): 2176-2183.

Uroko, R.I., Sangodare, R.S.A, Onyeabo, C., Agbafor, A., Uchenna, O.N., Nwuke, C.P. and Asadu, C.L. 2020. Investigation of antioxidant compositions and antioxidative activities of ethanol extract of Alstoniaboonei stem bark. Nigerian Journal Pharmaceutical Research, 16(1): 71-80.

Valavanidis, A., Vlachogianni, T., Fiotakis, K. and Loridas, S. 2013. Pulmonary oxidative stress, inflammation and cancer: respirable particulate matter, fibrous dusts and ozone as major causes of lung carcinogenesis through reactive oxygen species mechanisms. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(9): 3886-3907.

Venkatachalam, U. and Muthukrishnan, S. 2012. Free radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extract of Desmodium gangeticum. Journal of Acute Medicine, 2(2): 36-42.

Vinayak, M., Chandrashekhar, K. and Shishir, M. 2013. Pharmacological activities of Spermacoce hispida Linn: A review. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy, 4:18-22.

Xiao, J., Capanoglu, E., Jassbi, A. R., and Miron, A. 2016. Advance on the Flavonoid C-glycosides and Health Benefits. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 56(1): 29-45.

Yazdanparas, R., Bahramikias, S. andArdestani, A: Nasturtium oficinale reduces oxidative stress and enhances antioxidant capacity in hypercholesterolaemic rats. Chemico-Biological Interactions, 172: 176-184.

Yen, G.C. and 1995. Antioxidant activity of various tea extracts in relation to their antimutagenicity. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 43(1): 27-32.

 

 

 

Akbari, A., Jelodar, G., Nazifi, S. and Sajedianfard, J. 2016. An overview of the characteristics and function of vitamin C in various tissues: Relying on its antioxidant function. Zahedan Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 18(11): e4037.

Amirkia, V. and Heinrich, M. 2014. Alkaloids as drug leads: A predictive structural and biodiversity-based analysis. Phytochemistry Letter, 10: 43-48.

Banerjee, A., Dasgupta, N. and De, B. 2005. In vitro study of antioxidant activity of Syzygium cumini fruit. Food Chemistry, 90(4): 727-733.

Banothua, V., Chandrasekharnath, N., Uma, A., Jayalakshmi, L. and Kesavaharshini B. 2017. Phytochemical screening and evaluation of in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the indigenous medicinal plant Albizia odoratissima. Pharmaceutical Biology, 55:1, 1155-1161.

Cox-Georgian, D., Ramadoss, N., Dona, C. and Basu, C. 2019. Therapeutic and medicinal uses of terpenes. Medicinal Plants, 12: 333-359.

Dissanayake, D.P., Abeytunga, D.T.U., Vasudewa, N.S. and Ratnasooriya, W.D. 2009. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation by extracts of Pleurotus ostreatus, Pharmacognosy Magazine, 5(19): 266-271

El-hashash, M., Abdel-Gawad, M.M., El-Sayed, M.M., Sabry, W.A., Abdel-Hameed, E.S.S. and Abdel-Lateef, E.E.S. 2010. Antioxidant properties of methanolic extracts of the leaves of seven Egyptian Cassia species. Acta Pharmaceutica, 60(3): 361-367.

Ericson-Neilsen, W. and Kaye, A.D. 2014. Steroids: pharmacology, complications, and practice delivery issues. Ochsner Journal, 14(2): 203-207.

Genestra, M. 2007. Oxyl radicals, redox-sensitive signaling cascades and antioxidants. Cell Signaling, 19(9):1807-1819.

Golbidi, S., Ebadi, S.A. and Laher, I. 2011. Antioxidants in the treatment of diabetes. Current Diabetes Reviews, 7(2): 106-125.

Gyamfi, M.A., Yonamine, M. and Aniya, Y. 1999. Free-radical scavenging action of medicinal herbs from Ghana: Thonningia sanguinea on experimentally-induced liver injuries. General Pharmacology: The Vascular System, 32(6): 661-667.

Harborne, J.B. 1998. Textbook of Phytochemical Methods. A Guide to Modern Techniques of Plant Analysis. 5^th Edition, Chapman and Hall Ltd, London, pp. 21-72.

Hazra, B., Biswas, S. and Mandal, N. 2008. Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of Spondias pinnata. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 8:63.

Heinrich, M., Mah, J. and Amirkia, V. 2021. Alkaloids used as medicines: structural phytochemistry meets biodiversity-an update and forward look. Molecules, 25: 26(7): 1836.

Huang, W. Y., Cai, Y. Z. and Zhang, Y. 2010. Natural phenolic compounds from medicinal herbs and dietary plants: potential use for cancer prevention. Nutrition and Cancer, 62(1): 1-20.

Lalhminghlui, K. and Jagetia, G.C. 2018. Evaluation of the free-radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of Chilauni, Schima wallichii Korth in vitro. Future Science OA, 4(2): FSO272.

Liguori, I., Russo, G., Curcio, F., Bulli, G., Aran, L., Della-Morte, D., Gargiulo, G., Testa, G., Cacciatore, F., Bonaduce, D. and Abete, P. 2018. Oxidative stress, aging, and diseases. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 13:757-772.

Lu, J.M., Lin, P.H., Yao, Q. and Chen, C. 2010. Chemical and molecular mechanisms of antioxidants: experimental approaches and model systems. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 14(4):840-60.

Marcocci, L., Maguire, J.J., Droylefaix, M.T. and Packer, L. 1994. The nitric oxide-scavenging properties of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 201(2): 748-755.

Maruthupandian, A. and Mohan, V.R. 2011. Anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant activity of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb in alloxan induced diabetic rats. International Journal of PharmTech Research, 3:1681-1687

Pearson, D. 1976. The chemical analysis of foods 7^th ed. Edinburgh London and New York: Churchill Livingstone, pp. 387-497.

Pirbalouti, A.G., Setayesh, M., Siahpoosh, A. and Mashayekhi, H. 2013. Antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoids contents of three herbs used as condiments and additives in pickles products. Herba Polonica, 59(3): 51-62.

Pizzino, G., Irrera, N., Cucinotta, M., Pallio, G., Mannino, F., Arcoraci, V., Squadrito, F., Altavilla, D. and Bitto, A. 2017. Oxidative Stress: Harms and benefits for human health. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2017:8416763.

Rahman, M.M., Islam, M.B., Biswas, M. and Alam, K. 2015. In vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of different parts of Tabebuia pallid growing in Bangladesh. BMC Research Notes, 8:621-630.

Samuel, J., B., Stanley, J. A., Princess R. A., Shanthi P. and Sebastian M. S. 2001. Gestational cadmium exposure-induced ovotoxicity delays puberty through oxidative stress and impaired steroid hormone levels. Journal of Medical Toxicology, 7(3): 195-204.

Singh, R.P., Sharad, S. and Kapur S. 2004. Free radicals and oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases: Relevance of dietary antioxidants. Journal Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine, 5: 218-225.

Subhan, N., Burrows, G.E., Kerr, P.G. and Obied, H.K. 2018. Phytochemistry, Ethnomedicine, and Pharmacology of Acacia. In: Atta-ur-Rahman, editor. Studies in Natural Products Chemistry. Vol 57. Elsevier; Amsterdam, The Netherlands, pp. 247–326.

Traber, M.G. and Stevens, J.F. 2011. Vitamins C and E: beneficial effects from a mechanistic perspective. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 51(5):1000-1013.

Ullah, A., Munir, S., Badshah, S.L., Khan, N., Ghani, L., Poulson, B.G., Emwas, A.H. and Jaremko, M. 2020. Important flavonoids and their role as a therapeutic agent. Molecules, 25(22): 5243.

Uroko, R.I., Anyiam, P.N., Uhuo, E.N. and Ajah, O. 2021. Combined ethanol extract of Spermacoce radiata and Hypselodelphy spoggeana prevents renal damage and dyslipidemia in benign prostatic hyperplasia induced rats. Journal of Medicinal Herbs, 12(4): 43-52.

Uroko, R.I., Ijioma, S.N., Ogwo, E.U. and Awah, F.M. 2022. Combined ethanol extract of Hypselodelphy spoggeana and Spermacoce radiata leaves ameliorate benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats via modulation of serum sex hormonal levels. Research in Pharmacy, 26(4): 742-752.

Uroko, R.I., Nwuke, C.P., Uchenna, O.N., Asadu, C.L., Dingwoke, E.J., Adamude, F.A. and Nwobodo, N.N. 2019. Hepatocurative effects of methanol extract of Acanthus montanus leaves on acetaminophen-induced liver failure in rats. Drug Invention Today, 11(9): 2176-2183.

Uroko, R.I., Sangodare, R.S.A, Onyeabo, C., Agbafor, A., Uchenna, O.N., Nwuke, C.P. and Asadu, C.L. 2020. Investigation of antioxidant compositions and antioxidative activities of ethanol extract of Alstoniaboonei stem bark. Nigerian Journal Pharmaceutical Research, 16(1): 71-80.

Valavanidis, A., Vlachogianni, T., Fiotakis, K. and Loridas, S. 2013. Pulmonary oxidative stress, inflammation and cancer: respirable particulate matter, fibrous dusts and ozone as major causes of lung carcinogenesis through reactive oxygen species mechanisms. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(9): 3886-3907.

Venkatachalam, U. and Muthukrishnan, S. 2012. Free radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extract of Desmodium gangeticum. Journal of Acute Medicine, 2(2): 36-42.

Vinayak, M., Chandrashekhar, K. and Shishir, M. 2013. Pharmacological activities of Spermacoce hispida Linn: A review. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy, 4:18-22.

Xiao, J., Capanoglu, E., Jassbi, A. R., and Miron, A. 2016. Advance on the Flavonoid C-glycosides and Health Benefits. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 56(1): 29-45.

Yazdanparas, R., Bahramikias, S. andArdestani, A: Nasturtium oficinale reduces oxidative stress and enhances antioxidant capacity in hypercholesterolaemic rats. Chemico-Biological Interactions, 172: 176-184.

Yen, G.C. and 1995. Antioxidant activity of various tea extracts in relation to their antimutagenicity. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 43(1): 27-32.