Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytochemical compounds in Namibian Myrothamnus flabellifolius
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of the Namibian resurrection plant, Myrothamnus flabellifolius, which is traditionally used in the management and treatment of various diseases was determined. Samples were collected from Remhoogte pass, 130 km south west of Rehoboth. Solvent extraction using ethanol, methanol, water on powdered extracts (leaves and twigs) were done by soxhlet extraction and maceration. Twelve classes of phytochemicals tested positively; flavonoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, triterpenes, cardiac glycosides, saponins, phlobatanins, tannins, polyphenols and reducing sugars in the leaves extracts. However, anthraquinones, anthranoids, iridoids, leucoanthocyanins, proteins and amino acids tested negatively in all three solvent extracts from both leaves and twigs. The quantitative antioxidant activity analysis namely; the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the solvent extracts from M. flabellifolius were also determined. The TPC and TFC ranged from 372.42±0.21 to 375.14±0.21 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 1.43±0.03 to 3.49±0.15 mg equivalents for quercetin (QE)/g respectively. The high
TPC in M. flabellifolius makes it suitable for potential application as a potent natural
source of antioxidants and validates the ethnobotanical uses of this plant in the traditional healing system in Namibia.
Description
Keywords
Antioxidant activity, Bioactive compounds, Myrothamnus flabellifolius
Citation
Cheikhyoussef, A., Summers, R.W. & Kahaka, G. (2015). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytochemical compounds in Namibian Myrothamnus flabellifolius. International Science and Technology Journal of Namibia, 5, 71-83.