Pages: (36-40 )
Abstract
The bark of Lannea acida is used as medicines for treatment of intestinal parasites, epilepsy and pregnancy disorders by local communities in Nigeria. The essential oil fraction was extracted from the stem of Lannea acida using hydrodistillation method. Gas chromatography mass spectrometer was used to determine the chemical constituents in the essential oil. Linalool (11.6%), (+) -2- Bornanone (31.2%), Camphor (0.60%), α – Terpineol (7.3%), Ascaridole glycol (3.9%), alpha copaene (0.82%), caryophyllene (6.12%), Germacrene (6.3%) and isospathulenol (0.87%) were the constituents from the essential oil fraction from the stem of Lannae acida. 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity was carried out on the essential oil fraction at concentration of 1 mg/mL. The % radical scavenging activity of the essential oil is significant at 30.5 and comparable to the standard drug ascorbic acid with % radical scavenging activity at 41.2 at the same concentration. The presence of these compounds could make Lannae acida a potential source of natural substances that could be used in pharmaceutical industries.
Keywords: Essential Oil, DPPH, Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy, antioxidant,