Evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Harungana madagascariensis trunk scores

Abstract

Harungana madagascariensis (Hypericaceae) is a plant traditionally used by the people of Côte d'Ivoire and West Africa to treat malaria and gastrointestinal complications. With a view to enhancing the value of Ivorian plants, the antioxidant activity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the plant's stem bark were assessed in vitro and in vivo. The polyphenols in the various extracts were quantified spectrophotometrically, and the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, FRAP, TBARS and total antioxidant power tests. Quantification of the polyphenols showed that the hydroethanol extract was richer (429.6±17.11 mg EAG/g) than the aqueous extract (307.7±31.83 mg EAG/g). With regard to antioxidant activity in vivo, the hydroethanol extract had the best activity than vitamin C. However, the aqueous extract showed the best antioxidant activity in vivo and was close to that of ascorbic acid.