FATTY ACIDS OF HIPPOCRATEA AFRICANA ROOT: ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-MICROBIAL ACTIVITY
AbstractIn this study, the fatty acid content, antioxidant activities and antimicrobial potential of oil obtained from the root of Hippocratea africana was investigated. Results showed that the oil was characterized by oleic acid (65.73%), palmitic acid (20.34%) and linoleic acid (6.90%) as the most abundant fatty acids with a oleic acid/linoleic acid ratio of 9.52. The oil possessed potent antioxidant activity (IC50 = 75.00µg/ml) and exhibited significant metal chelating potentials (EC50= 7.4mg/ml). It also showed notable antimicrobial activity against the tested human pathogens. MIC values indicated bactericidal activity against S. aureus (MIC =0.05mg/ml), S. pyogenes (MIC =0.17mg/ml) and fungicidal activity against C. albican (MIC =0.06mg/ml). These results support to some extent, the medicinal potential of Hippocratea africana root.
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