LC-MS analysis and free radical scavenging activity of extracts from Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr. and Sansiviera liberica Gerome & Labroy

Anogeissus leiocarpus and Sansiviera liberica are plants used in traditional medicine as antiviral agents. A preliminary study of the bioactive constituents was carried out using Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) technique. Free radical scavenging activity of the crude extracts were determined using 2,2-diphenyl picrylhydrazyl radical method. Results obtained showed that Anogeissus leiocarpus and Sansiviera liberica were rich in alkaloids and their glycosides. Methanol extract of stem of Anogeissus leiocarpus (MSAL) at 1.0 mg/mL was more active than methanol extract of the twig of Sansevieria liberica (MTSL) with %inhibition of 79.5% and 78.1% respectively in the free radical scavenging assay. These activities were significant when compared with butylated hydroxylanisole and ascorbic acid. This study has given a clue to the traditional application of these two plants as antiviral agents in ethnomedicine.