Antioxidant, iron-chelating and anti-glucosidase activities of Typha domingensis Pers (Typhaceae)

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the phytochemical profile as well as in vitro antioxidant, iron-chelating, and anti-glucosidase activities of Typha domingensis Pers. (Typhaceae) Methods: Total polyphenols, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and pro-anthocyanidins in the respective aqueous extracts of male and female flowers, and fruit of T. domingensis were determined by established procedures. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by superoxide anion radical and nitric oxide scavenging assays. Iron chelating activity was assessed using a ferrozine-based assay. Antiglucosidase activity was determined using 4-nitrophenyl α-D-glucopyranoside as a substrate. Results: Phenolic contents decreased in the following order: fruit > female flower > male flower. Superoxide scavenging half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of fruit, female flower and male flower extracts was 3.5, 4.8, and 28.2 mg dry matter (DM)/ml, respectively, while nitric oxide scavenging EC50 of fruit, female flower and male flower extracts was 0.16, 0.65, and 0.95 mg DM/ml, respectively. On the other hand, iron chelating EC50 of female flower, male flower and fruit extracts was 4.86, 6.43, and 10.88 mg DM/ml, respectively. Only the fruit and female flower extracts exhibited anti-glucosidase activity, with EC50 of 0.75 and 5.07 mg DM/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The fruit and female flower extracts of T. domingensis are promising sources of natural antioxidants, iron chelators, and glucosidase inhibitors. © Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, 300001 Nigeria. All rights reserved.