In Vitro-Evaluation of the Antioxidant Properties of Moringa Oleifera and Camelia Sinensis Leaves

Abstract

Introduction Moringa oleifera and Camellia sinensis are edible plants widely distributed in parts of South East of Nigeria. Both are used as a beverage and medicinal plant in the treatment of several ailments by alternative medical practitioners. The in vitro-antioxidant properties of both Moringa oleifera and Camelia sinensis leaves were investigated in the current study.. Method Phytochemical analysis was carried out to evaluate the flavonoids and total phenolic contents of the plants crude extracts. Also, reducing power ability and nitric oxide scavenging activity of the plants were also determined in order to ascertain their antioxi-dant capacities to eliminate free radicals, and attenuate oxidative stress. Results Both plant samples demonstrated antioxidant properties. The samples were rich in flavonoid (135.14±5.20 and 208.24±14.38), and total phenolics (62.85±1.70 and 91.68±0.22) for both Moringa oleifera and Camelia sinensis respectively. The plant samples also showed nitric oxide scavenging and reducing power ability. Camelia sinensis appears to be a better antioxidant plant. Conclusion Moringa oleifera and Camelia sinensis contains substantial amount of antioxidant substances which could warrant their utilization in alternative medicine. However, further research works are needed to properly ascertain and harness these bioactive agents present in the plants.