Assessment of the Inherent in-vitro Antioxidant Potential of Commelina benghalensis Leaf Extract

Commelina benghalensis is a troublesome but exotic weed native to the African and Asian subregions used traditionally for the treatment and management of various disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential antioxidant activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Commelina benghalensis using various in vitro models. This was done by investigating the ability of the extract to scavenge hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical. Other activities assessed were the reducing ability, ability to inhibit erythrocyte damage and reduce ferrous-ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation on bovine liver and egg yolk homogenates. The results revealed that the plant extract possessed significant hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities. The extract also possessed significant ability to reduce ferric ions and molybdate VI. The methanolic extract also significantly inhibited hydrogen peroxide-induced erythrocyte hemolysis and lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation in bovine liver and egg yolk homogenates induced by the ferrous-ascorbate system was also reduced by the extract. In many instances, the effect of the extract was concentration-dependent. (p < 0.05). This antioxidant activity of the extract is ascribed to the phytochemicals which probably acted in synergy thus the Commelina benghalensis leaves could be exploited both nutraceutically and pharmacologically.