Research Article

Determination of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Calyx ethanolic extract

Nizar Sirag¹, Elhadi MM¹, Algaili M Algaili², Hozeifa Mohamed Hassan^3* and Mohamed Ohaj⁴

¹Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Sudan

²Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Gezira, Sudan

³Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Sudan

⁴Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Gezira, Sudan

* Corresponding Author E-mail: hozhooz@hotmail.com, Tel; 00249912890564,008613905141415

Accepted 23 August 2014

Abstract

Background: Medicinal plants contain physiologically active ingredients that over the years have been exploited in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. Objectives: This study was undertaken to investigate the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyx ethanolic extract. Methods: The total phenolic content was estimated by Folin Ciocalteau method using Gallic acid as standard while the antioxidant capacity was determined based on the plant extract to scavenge DPPH radical. Results: The total phenolic content was found to be 41.07 mg Gallic acid equivalent /g. The extract exhibited a notable dose dependent inhibition of the DPPH activity. At a concentration 250 µg/ml, Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract scavenged 86% of DPPH radical whereas 125 and 50 µg/ml caused 53% and 23% DPPH inhibition respectively, and a very mild inhibition was produced at a concentration 5 µg/ml. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx could be a potential source of antioxidant principles.

Keywords: Phenolic compounds; Antioxidant activity; Reactive Oxygen Species; Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx.