Phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of (EMB), and herbal medicines as demonstrated in THP-1 and Jurkat leukaemia cell lines.

BACKGROUND

Three decoctions, namely Emelia M (EMB), Mshikazi and Delosma H are used by traditional health practitioners in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to treat and manage leukaemia and related conditions.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant activity and phytochemical profile of the aqueous extracts of Emelia M (EMB), Mshikazi and Delosma H decoctions.

METHODS

Antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), glutathione (GSH), phosphomolybdate and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assays. Phytochemical screening was used to determine the presence of compounds.

RESULTS

The DPPH radical scavenging activity was similar to ascorbic acid for EMB and Delosma H, but not for Mshikazi. At 24 h, EMB increased GSH in both THP-1 and Jurkat cells similar to Delosma H while Mshikazi demonstrated the lowest activity. At 48 h, EMB and Delosma H revealed increased GSH in THP-1 cells with no significant decrease in GSH levels in Jurkat cells. However, EMB showed the lowest lipid peroxidation activity compared to Delosma H and Mshikazi after 24 h treatment of both cells. Phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins were present in all extracts.

CONCLUSION

Extracts of the three decoctions possess both antioxidant and prooxidant properties through high scavenging activity and increased in lipid peroxidation.