ERAGBAI TOLULOPE JEMIMA

Hypertension is a major public health challenge globally and has contributed significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is caused by oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and lifestyle factors. Increasing interest in plant based alternatives has led to the use of polyherbal formulations, which provide synergistic antihypertensive and antioxidant effects. This study evaluated the antioxidant potential of six selected leaves which are, Justicia carnea (blood leaf), Moringa oleifera (miracle leaf), Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Gongronema latifolium (utazi leaf), Hibiscus sabdariffa (Zobo leaf) and Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin). Previous studies shows that these plants contain important bioactive constituents like flavonoids, phenols, and vitamins which promote vasodilation, reduce oxidative stress, and support cardiovascular health. A polyherbal tea was formulated from the six leaves to evaluate its antioxidant capacity. The leaves were collected, authenticated, washed, shade-dried, pulverized, and stored in an airtight container. 50g of each of the leaves was measured and mixed in 1L of hot distilled water
in a ratio 5:1 to obtain aqueous extracts and then freeze-dried. The antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed using FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl) assays to measure to scavenge free radicals (DPPH assay) and to reduce ferricions (FRAP assay). The result showed that the polyherbal extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity, with DPPH inhibition values of 71–85% and an IC₅₀ of 0.428 mg/mL, indicating good radical-scavenging ability. FRAP values (80–88%) confirmed high reducing power. Overall, this research confirms that the polyherbal tea possesses strong antioxidant compounds that can neutralize free radicals, support vascular health, and helps in the prevention and management of hypertension.