Free radical scavenging activity of the plant extracts of Synedrella nodiflora

Introduction: Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn. (Asteraceae) is a native shrub of Ghana also found in the tropics and subtropics. The plant parts have been used in the treatment of rheumatism and mixtures used in the mitigation of stomach pain, interestingly, it is used in the cure of epilepsy and threatened abortion. Aim: This study focuses at investigating the probable mechanisms of free radical scavenging effects of the ethanolic and chloroform extract of the whole plant. Since the lipid cells are highly susceptible to peroxidase damage, our plant extract can be used to prevent the peroxidation of lipid cells. Material and Methods: With the help of thiobarbituric acid, the extract was screened for percentage inhibition. Similarly, the total reducing power assay was performed with respect to ferrous reduction and absorbance was studied. Results and Discussion: The extract with the increase in the concentration showed increase in the activity. Among all, the highest concentration of 200 μg/ml showed the greatest response and was relatively close to the standards used. In total reducing power and lipid peroxidation assay, ethanolic extracts of the plant seemed to show quite equal results.