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Abstract

The ethanol extract of Hibiscus esculentus Linn roots inhibited the formation of oxygen derived free radicals were screened for their in vitro antioxidant activity. Stems leaves and root of selected plants were dried at 45°C and powdered for extraction. Extraction was performed with methanol. By employing DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl radical) scavenging assays, it was shown that all the ethanol extracts of the samples collected show antioxidant activity. Though, as expected, their potency varied according to the different parts and species. In particular, leaves and stems of Hibiscus esculentus leaves displayed the highest activity. The extracts tested ranged from 0.176 mg/mL -2.45mg/mL. It is generally accepted that a diet rich in plants is associated with a reduced incidence of degenerative diseases, such as atherosclerosis and cancer. This study suggests that the Hibiscus esculentus plant could be pharmaceutically exploited for antioxidant properties.