Phytochemical screening, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic activities of Lophira procera A. Chev. (Ochnaceae) medicinal plant from Gabon

Abstract

The objective of this study was to perform phytochemical screening, to determine the content of phenolic compound, to evaluate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic activities of ethanol, water-ethanol and water extracts of Lophira procera. Antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and phosphomolybdenum assay, anti-inflammatory activity by proteins denaturation inhibition and membranes stabilization test and antiangiogenic activity by chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) method. The results showed that this plant is rich in saponins, polyphenols, tannins, total flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and coumarins. Extracts presented a strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ values of 5.452 ± 0.119 μg/mL and 6.346 ± 0.544 μg/mL and respective AAI of 9.173 ± 0.203 and 7.919 ± 0.711). Excellent anti-inflammatory activity was also observed (IC₅₀ = 16.952 ± 1.897 and IC₅₀ = 23.172 ± 0.066 μg/mL for inhibition of protein denaturation and membrane stabilization respectively). Finally, extracts manifested a very good anti-angiogenic activity (with inhibitions ranging from 57.142 ± 0.124% to 100%). These biological activities are certainly due to high content of phenolic compound. This is the first study to report the phytochemical screening, the content of phenolic compound, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic activities of extract derived from Lophira procera. The use of this plant in traditional medicine against ulcers, breast cancer, kidney and dental pain is therefore justified and its potential as a candidate for bioactive therapeutic molecule.

Keywords:

• Phytochemical screening
• Antioxidant activity
• Anti-inflammatory activity
• Antiangiogenic activity
• Lophira procera
• Cancer

Acknowledgements

The authors are very much thankful to Shell-Gabon for the financial support of materials in Laboratory of Research in Biochemistry of University of Sciences and Technology of Masuku, Franceville-Gabon (Grant No. SG/CIS/SDM/SA/ sa n° 77). We are very much grateful to local informants and Mr. MEYE MISSO Paul-Edouard who shared their knowledge on the use of medicinal plants with us.