Phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of Euphorbia hirta L hydroacetonic fractions

The management of gastrointestinal parasitosis through the use of anthelmintic plants is an indispensable solution to environmental pollution linked to the use of chemical molecules. The antiparasitic properties of E. hirta, an assessment of the secondary metabolite content and antioxidant activity of its hydro acetonic extracts was carried by hydroacetonic maceration followed by fractionation yielded four fractions. The colorimetric spectrophotometric method was used to determine total polyphenols, flavonoids and condensed tannins. The DPPH and FRAP methods were used to assess antioxidant activities. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest levels of total polyphenols (86.40±1.17 mg EAG/100 mg) and flavonoids (25.92±0.40 EQ/100 mg) contents. The DCM fraction have presented the most content in condensed tannins (1,32±0,23 mg EAT/g). The four fractions have demonstrated antioxidant activities. This activity was highest in n-hexane fraction (561.72 μmol EAA/g) and ethyl acetate fraction (463.08 μmol EAA/g) respectively by DPPH and FRAP methods. This study provided evidence of E. hirta antioxidant properties and justifed its use in the management of ruminant gastrointestinal parasitosis in Burkina Faso.