Evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of Blighia sapida KD Koenig

Abstract

Blighia sapida is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases in Togo. This study aimed to assess the  antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Blighia sapida. To this end, a phytochemical screening was carried out, followed by an  assessment of DPPH, total antioxidant capacity, ex vivo lipoperoxidation tests on Sprague Dawley rats, and an evaluation of anti- inflammatory activity by the egg albumin denaturation test. The leaves extract scavenged the DPPH free radical with an IC50 of 172 ±  0.577µg/mL and its total antioxidant capacity value was 40.174 ± 0.638 mg Eq AA/g. In the ex vivo lipoperoxidation test on the kidney and  liver, the extract showed a significant inhibitory effect. Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids,  saponosides, and carbohydrate compounds. The present results showed that Blighia sapida leaves possess antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties which may be linked to the bioactive compounds they contain, suggesting their use to prevent oxidative and  inflammatory processes.