ABSTRACT

Hibiscus sabdariffa is a known indigenous plant used for various curative purposes whereas Picralima nitida Stapf, is a relatively unknown plant for curative purposes belonging to the family Apocynaceae. This investigation aimed as comparing the antioxidant capacities of P. nitida and H. sabdariffa with a view of advocating a better pharmacological property. The phenolic contents of P. nitida and H. sabdariffa were estimated using colorimetric and assay methods. The results revealed H. sabdariffa (phenolic content: 13.851+ 1.95 SEM (ethanolic extract), 4.036 + 1.664 SEM (aqueous extract) were better than P. nitida (phenolic content: -0.666+ 0.40 SEM (ethanolic extract), - 0.333+ 0.192 SEM respectively. The antioxidant capacity of P. nitida (IC₅₀= 7.831) was however better than H. sabdariffa (IC_50­519.7). Values were statistically significant at p < 0.05. Conclusively, P. nititda seed has a better antioxidant capacity compared to H. sabdariffa and could perform better as a pharmacological agent