Antioxidant and HPTLC profile of the leaf and fruit extracts of <i>Lagenaria siceraria</i>

Abstract

Lagenaria siceraria Standl. (Cucurbitaceae) is a widely used medicinal plant in Africa. It is used for both medicinal and nutritional purposes. The health promoting ability of the fruits and leaves of this species might be related to the antioxidant properties of its constituents. The antioxidant effect of the leaves and fruits of L. siceraria was evaluated by comparing the DPPH radical scavenging and reducing capacity of the methanol leaf extract with ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts of fresh fruits. The comparison was further emphasized by HPTLC analysis where the chemical profiles of each extract was established. Results indicated that, at 0.1 mg/ml, ethyl acetate extract of the fresh fruits has higher DPPH radical scavenging effect, of up to 81.6% compared to 77.4% and 72% for methanol and n-butanol extracts respectively. The order of activity was; Bt fresh fruit < MeOH leaves < EA fresh fruits < Gallic acid. In the reducing capacity assay, the absorbencies of extracts increased with an increase in concentration. The n-butanol fresh fruit extract had higher reducing power than other screened extracts. At the maximum concentration of 0.1 mg/ml, the trend of activity was; Gallic acid < MeOH leaves < EA fresh fruits < Bt fresh fruits. The HPTLC analysis revealed significant differences in the chemical profiles of extracts. The disparity confirmed the variation in the antioxidant properties within the extracts of the fresh fruits and between leaves and fruits extract of L. siceraria.

Assessment of the haematological indices of albino rats fed diets supplemented with jackfruit bulb, seed or a blend of bulb and seed

“…They are generally low in calories, fat, sodium and cholesterol but high in micronutrients including provitamin A, vitamins E and K, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, iron, iodine, calcium and other minerals (Dike and Nnamdi, 2012;Syahida et al, 2012) as well as antioxidants which are known to prevent oxidative damage of important biological compounds by reactive oxygen species (Shi et al, 2001;Agboola, 2014;Donfack et al, 2014). A number of studies have associated high fruit consumption with low risk of some life-threatening disorders like coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes mellitus, obesity and cancer (Donaldson, 2004;Williams et al, 2009;Erasto and Tshikalange, 2010;Asif, 2014). Unfortunately, across the world, many fruits are lesser known, neglected and underutilized.…”

Caractérisation Phytochimique des Graines et des Pulpes de Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley Utilisées en Pharmacopée dans Sept (6) Régions du Niger

“…Les propriétés pharmacologiques de ces composés phytochimiques identifiés pourraient justifier la plupart des utilisations médicinales de cette plante. En effet, de nombreuses études ont confirmé les propriétés antioxydant, anticancéreuse, antimicrobienne et antibactérienne des graines de cette plante (Bruneton, 1993 ;Deore et al, 2009 ;Erasto et Mbwambo, 2009 ;Erasto et Tshikalange, 2010 ;Sukhlecha, 2012) La présence de ces métabolites secondaires pourrait justifier l'utilisation traditionnelle des graines et des pulpes de Lagenaria siceraria dans les soins de nombreuses maladies. Ainsi, les propriétés antalgiques des alcaloïdes pourraient justifier l'usage de L. siceraria contre la douleur (Hemingway, 1980).…”