American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products

AUTHOR(S): Abdulkadir Nasiru, Adedokun Oluwasegun, Adeniyi-Akee Mukaram and Okogun Joseph

ABSTRACT:Hibiscus sabdariffa (Malvaceae) is widely known in Nigeria for production of beverage drink (Zobo drink) as well as male infertility treatment among others. This research is principally focused on evaluating the effect of the plant calyx on some pathogenic organisms as well as on polyunsaturated fatty acid peroxidation which are parts of major causes of male infertility in Nigeria. Phytochemical studies of the plant (calyx) showed the presence of saponins, steroids, phenolic compounds, reducing sugars, flavonoids and glycosides. A remarkable bactericidal property against all test organisms was noted with highest activity observed against Proteus mirabilis (15 mm) while Ampiclox (standard antibiotics) showed no activity, least activity was observed against Enterobacter aerogenes (7 mm). A weak anti-lipid peroxidation activity was observed in the plant in concentration independent manner relatives to Vitamin E (alpha-Tocopherol) at P<0.05. An excellent scavenging activity against DPPH radical relative to Vitamin C (standard) at P<0.05 was also observed in H. sabdariffa. Also, a similar activity observed in the lipid peroxidation studies was also noted in reducing power activity of the plant. However, the entire findings of this research scientifically justify the male infertility ethnobotanical claim of the plant in Nigeria.

Pages: 23-27  |  2148 Views  135 Downloads