Antioxidant Properties of the Methanol Extracts of the Leaves and Stems of Celtis africana

The antioxidant activities of the methanol extracts from the leaves and stems of Celtis africana (Ulmaceae) were assessed in an effort to validate the medicinal potential of the subterranean part of the herb. The antioxidant activity and phenolic contents of the stem as determined by the DPPH, proanthocyanidins, total phenols, the flavonoids, and total flavonols were higher than that of the leaves. On the other hand, the FRAP contents of the leaves were higher than that of the stem. The ABTS scavenging activities of both the stem and leaves were similar and comparable to that of BHT, the standard antioxidant used. This study, has to some extent, validated the medicinal potential of the leaves and stems of Celtis africana.