Abstract

Solenostemon monostachyus is an important herb that is native to West and Central Africa. The leaves have been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes however the scientific basis for these effects is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging abilities of S. monostachyus extract by assessing its hydrogen peroxide scavenging ability, hydroxyl radical scaveinging ability and ferric ion reducing ability. Other activities assessed are the ability of the extract to reduce hydrogen peroxide-induced erythrocyte haemolysis and lipid peroxidation. The results showed that the extract possessed significant abilities to scavenge hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals, and also significant ability to reduce ferric ions. The extract also possessed significant abilities to reduce lipid peroxidation and haemolysis in erythrocytes induced by hydrogen peroxide when compared with the ability of ascorbic acid to do the same. This is ascribed to the possession of antioxidant phytochemicals which acted in synergy, thus the plant could be exploited for pharmacological and neutraceutical purposes.

Key words: Solenostemon monostachyus, antioxidant, free radical, haemolysis, phytochemical.