Phytochemical screening and in-vitro antioxidant properties of the stem bark of Trichilia tessemannii (Harms)(Meliaceae)

Abstract

This study has investigated the phytochemical constituents by screening the pulverized plant material and the antioxidant potential of the stem bark of Trichilia tessemannii (Harms) (Meliaceae). The phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of plant secondary metabolites such as; tannins, reducing sugars, anthraquinones, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, terpemoids, coumarins and phytosterol. Antioxidant activity was determined by the use of DPPH free radical scavenging assay, total phenol content assay and total antioxidant capacity assay on the total crude methanol extract of the stem bark. The total crude methanol extract was found to possess DPPH free radical scavenging activity of EC50 0.02078 mg/ml, a total antioxidant capacity of 444.7 ± 28.58 mg/g equivalent of ascorbic acid and a total phenol content of 970.2 ± 78.69 mg/g of tannic acid equivalent. The implication of this study suggests that the stem bark of Trichilia tessemannii has major phytochemical principles and also has a good natural antioxidant source that may be indicated in the treatment and management of diseases associated with oxidative stress.