Comparison of health-promoting metabolite antioxidant effects in Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst extracts

Abstract

Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst (Anacardiaceae) is a savannah tree that has long been used in sub-Saharan Africa as a medicinal remedy for numerous ailments. The purpose of this study was to increase the scientific knowledge about this plant by evaluating the total content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins in the extracts of the root, leaves and bark, as well as their in vitro antioxidant activit. The chemical characterization was carried out by HPLC-MS/MS. Results reported the presence of glycoside flavonoids in Sclerocarya birrea leaves and procyanidins in roots and bark. The presence of procyanidins conferred the highest antioxidant activity of root extract form Sclerocarya birrea.