ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF CNIDOSCOLUS ACONITIFOLIUS: A PROMISING NATURAL THERAPEUTIC AGAINST OXIDATIVE STRESSRELATED DISEASES

Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS)
and the body’s antioxidant defence systems, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of
various chronic and degenerative diseases, including cancer. In this study, the antioxidant
properties of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, a plant recognized by Kuti and Konoru (2004) as a
rich source of natural antioxidants, were evaluated using a comprehensive set of in vitro
assays. The plant extracts demonstrated significant free radical scavenging activity, with IC₅₀
values of 56.69, 57.66, 60.66, and 62.54 μg/mL for DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radical, and
nitric oxide assays, respectively. Furthermore, both enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide
dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase) and non-enzymatic
antioxidants (reduced glutathione, vitamin E, and vitamin C) were analysed, revealing robust
antioxidant capacity. These findings highlight C. aconitifolius as a potent natural antioxidant
source with potential therapeutic applications in the prevention and management of oxidative
stress-related disorders.