Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Mallotus oppositifolium in model systems.

Chemical analysis of the powdered leaves and root of Mallotus oppositifolium revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides and phenolic compounds with a higher concentration residing in the leaves than in the root. Antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities of the crude extracts in hexane and methanol were evaluated by the beta-carotene linoleate model system and the carrageenan induced rat paw oedema animal model. Both systems identified significant biological activity in the methanolic crude extract of the leaf. Thin layer chromatographic (TLC) analysis of the crude extract in methanol identified four phenolic spots two of which were flavonoid in nature (UV(254nm, 356nm), FeCl3 and AlCl3 visualization).