In vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the chloroform extract of Combretum punctatum var squamosum

The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the chloroform extract of Combretum punctatum var squamosum by in vitro models. Antioxidant activity was determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power and lipid peroxidation assays. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were also assessed. The extract at different concentrations showed significant percent inhibition of DPPH and lipid peroxidation and high reducing power when compared with the standard. The extract also showed a significantly high content of phenolics and flavonoids. Anti-inflammatory activity was studied by inhibition of albumin denaturation and human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization methods. The extract at different concentrations showed significant percent inhibition of albumin denaturation and percent inhibition of haemolysis when compared with the standard. Thus, the result indicates that the chloroform extract exhibited significant potential on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.