Antioxidant Properties of Gongronema latifolia

Gongronema latifolia (Utazi) is a plant found in the tropical regions of West Africa. The phytochemical analysis and the antioxidant activities of Gongronema latifolia were investigated. The acute toxicity of the plant was found to be 2450mg/kg body weight, indicating that the plant is safe for consumption. The ethanol extract of the plant gave a yield of 17.94%. The phytochemical analysis on the leaves extract revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, resins, carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils, steroids, and terpenoids with higher levels of flavonoids and alkaloids. The antioxidant properties of ethanol extract of the plant were evaluated in vitro with rat liver homogenate. The ethanol extract of the plant showed a significant inhibition with nitric oxide, ferrous sulphate and carbon tetrachloride induced lipid peroxidation activities which were comparable with ascorbic acid. The inhibition was found to be concentration dependent. From this study, it was found that the plant is a potent scavenger of free radicals and can ameliorate the effects of oxidative stress which have been implicated in most pathological conditions.