Abstract Background: The use of plants in our immediate environment in primary health care is a common practice; even the modern medical system uses more than 25% of both plant-based and plant-derived medicines. The more and more, our society is increasingly faced with the emerging of new oxidative stresses-diseases related Bridelia micrantha is traditionally used to treat ulcers, joint pain, eye pain, stomach pain, diarrhea and as an aphrodisiac.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify some secondary metabolites, to evaluate the cytotoxicity, antioxidant and anti-hemolytic properties of hydroethanolic, ethanol and aqueous extracts of Bridelia micrantha widely used in traditional medicine.
Method: The hydroethanolic, ethanol and aqueous extracts of Bridelia micrantha were obtained by maceration in ethanol-water (70/30 v: v), ethanol, and water for 72 hours, then filtered using the No. 4 coffee filter paper before oven-drying at 40 °C. DPPH and iron (III) reduction methods were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the extracts. The cytotoxic profile of the extracts was determined by evaluating the inhibition percentage of normal cell growth (Vero cells). Their anti-hemolytic activity was evaluated by the protection percentage of erythrocytes against hemolysis.
Results: The extraction yields of the hydroethanolic, ethanol and aqueous extracts were respectively 18.23%, 13.75% and 12.27%. The phytochemical screening based on the modified protocols described by Harborne (1976), Odebeyi and Sofowara (1978), Trease and Evans (1989), and Sofowora, (1993) revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. The extracts showed an antioxidant activity usin the DPPH radical scavenging method at CI50 = 2.420 μg / ml for the aqueous extract, 1.877 μg / ml for the hydroethanolic extract and 4.693 μg / ml for the ethanolic extract. Based on the iron reduction method, the antioxidant activity was shown at concentrations 100, 200 and 400 μg / mL corresponding respectively to the FRAP values 0.55, 1.25 and 1.63 μM for ethanol extract; 0.59, 1.43 and 1.74 for hydroethanolic extract and 0.59, 1.29 and 1.54 for the aqueous extract. In addition, cytotoxicity was exhibited at CC50 greater than 1000 μg/mL for the hydroethanolic extract, equal to 381.1 μg/mL for the ethanolic extract and 340.25 μg / mL for the aqueous extract. Finally, the anti-hemolytic activity of concentrations 125 μg/mL, 250 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL% recorded the respective protection percentages 55.6%, 62%, and 70%.
Conclusion: These results could be considered as starting point for the applications of this plant in association or not for the treatment of certain diseases.
Keywords Bridelia micrantha, phytochemical screening, antioxidant, anti-haemolytic, Vero Cells.