TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENT AND FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY OF HYPOXIS HEMEROCALLIADEA FROM BOTSWANA

Methanolic and chloroform extracts of Hypoxis hemerocalliadea were screened for antioxidant activity. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts was compared with their radical scavenging activities (RSA). H.hemerocalliadea has extensive reputable use as a remedy for hypertension, diabetes and general body discomfort. A clear relation between the total phenolic content (Figure 1) and % free radical scavenging power (Figure 2) was found. Methanolic extracts exhibited greater scavenging activity (≥80%) similar to quercetin (control), than chloroform extracts. There was also no significant difference between the scavenging powers of the root and shoot (leaf) extract. These extracts may be exploited as remedies for oxidative stress.

Keywords: Total Phenolic Content, Free radical scavenging, H.hemerocalliadea