IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROGRAPHIC STUDIES OF THE LEAFY STEM OF IPOMOEA PES-CAPRAE (L) R. BR, A HALOPHYTE FROM IVORY COAST

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity and determine the botanical and physicochemical characteristics of aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Ipomoea pes-caprae.

Methods: Aqueous extracts obtained by decoction of the leaves of Ipomoea pes-caprae were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity in vitro based on the capacity of the extracts to scavenge free radicals using the DPPH radical and the antioxidant reducing power test. ferric (FRAP). The botanical study of the plant was carried out following microscopic observation of the pulverized drug. As for the Physical studies, they focused on the residual humidity level after drying of the sample and plant at 103 = 2 C, the water content after drying of the fresh drug for 5 weeks and the extraction yield. Phytochemical tests as well as the determination of polyphenols and total flavonoids were carried out on the leaves of Ipomoea pes-caprae according to standard methods.

Results: The extracts showed increasing antioxidant activity with concentration with an IC 50 = 46.23 = 0.89 g/ml and an oxidizing power estimated at 102.5 = 12.3 mol Eq Trolox/g EXS. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of sterols, polyterpenes, polyphenols, alkaloids and saponosides. Polyphenols were estimated at 79.91=6.20 mg Eq AG/g dry extract and flavonoids were present at 249.2 =17.25 mg Eq Q/g dry extract. The micrograph revealed the presence of elements entering into the anatomical structure of the plant studied.

Conclusion: This study showed that the aqueous extract of Ipomoea pes-caprae has dose-dependent antioxidant activity properties.