Comparative Free Radical Scavenging Efficacy of Leaves Extract of Moringa Oleifera and Petals Extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa

Background: Use of molecules with antioxidant properties have evolved as effective strategy for preventing oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Moringa oleifera and Hibiscus sabdariffa are ancient plants with antioxidant properties, and have served numerous therapeutic purposes, in addition to their nutritional benefits. Aim: This in vitro study compared the free radical scavenging efficacy of ethylacetate leaves extract of Moringa oleifera and ethylacetate petal extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa. Method: Determinations were carried out following standard procedures for analytical experiments. The leaves of Moringa oleifera and petals of Hibiscus sabdariffa were extracted by cool maceration with distilled water and ethylacetate, independently for 48 hours using soxhlet extractor. The free radical scavenging activities of the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. DPPH free radical was used to determine the free radical scavenging activities of the extracts. The reducing power efficacy of the extracts was determined by their ability to reduce Fe³+ to Fe²+ ions using FERAP. Results: Ethylacetate extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa petals had higher free radical scavenging efficacy and more reducing power with an inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 1.57 mg/ml compared to the ethylacetate extract of Moringa oleifera leaves which had an IC₅₀ of 2.60 mg/ml. Phytochemical profile revealed that the predominant compounds in both extracts were flavonoids, phenols, and amino acids. Conclusion: This study has established that ethylacetate extract of the Petals of Hibiscus sabdariffa has more reducing power and free radical scavenging efficacy compared to ethylacetate extract of Moringa oleifera leaves. These plant parts could serve as novel sources for clinically efficient antioxidants.