ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF AZANZA GARCKEAN STEM BARK CHLOROFORM EXTRACT

Azanza garckeana is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional African medicine for its therapeutic properties, attributed to its rich antioxidants. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of Azanza garckeana stem bark chloroform extract using multiple assays. Fresh stem bark was collected, dried, and extracted with chloroform. The extract was subjected to antioxidant assays, including DPPH radical scavenging, FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, hydroxyl radical (OH) scavenging, iron chelation, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). The results demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, with the extract exhibiting 71.74% DPPH scavenging, 727.05 mg AA eq/g FRAP value, 61.05% NO scavenging, 53.73% OH scavenging, and 51.88% iron chelation capacity. The high TEAC value (785.05 mM Trolox eq/g) further confirmed its potent antioxidant properties. These findings suggest that the chloroform extract of Azanza garckeana stem bark contains bioactive compounds capable of neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, validating its traditional use. The study highlights the plant's potential as a natural antioxidant source for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.