Author(s): Taye Alawode, Labunmi Lajide, Bodunde Owolabi and MT Olaleye

Abstract: Solanum erianthum stem extracts were screened for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluated using the DPPH and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant assays. The total phenolic content of each of the extracts was obtained as milligram Gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract (mg GAE/g). The in vitro anti-inflammatory property of the extracts was determined using the membrane stabilization assay. In the DPPH assay, the IC₅₀ values of the extracts ranged between 0.304 and 0.729. The ferric reducing activity of the extracts ranged between 2.468 and 28.614 mg Ascorbic acid equivalent/g of sample. The total phenolic contents of the extracts ranged between 0.484 and 3.340 mg GAE/g sample. The ethylacetate extract showed a membrane-stabilizing activity higher than that of Indomethacin at 0.1 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml. This study justified the use of the plant in the treatment of various ailments by traditional medical practitioners in South-western Nigeria.