Phytochemical analysis and free radical scavenging activity of Isoberlinia doka leaves

Isoberlinia doka is dominant specie in the savannah of West Africa belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is used in traditional medicine for treatment of muscular – skeletal system disorders, Jaundice scorpion bites, Convulsion, diabetes, ulcer, wounds and cough. The objectives of the study are to determine the pharmacognostic and antioxidant activity of Isoberlinia doka leaves. Three extracts of Isoberlinia doka leaves were obtained by sequential maceration using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol The extracts were screened qualitatively for the presence of saponins, carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones and alkaloids using standard procedures. Thin layer chromatography was carried out to determine the separation profile of various extracts. Antioxidant activity of the methanol leaves extract of Isoberlinia doka was determined using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) Assay. The phytochemical screening of the methanol extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides and saponins. The methanol leaves extract of Isoberlinia doka demonstrated strong radical scavenging activity and reducing power ability with concentration dependent responses. The results of this study suggest that the plant can serve as a good source of antioxidant which can aid in the management of diseases associated with oxidative stress.