In vitro Antioxidant and Anti-bacterial Properties of a Contraceptive Herbal Mixture of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides Lam (Rutaceae) Euphorbia hirta Linn (Euphorbiaceae) and Abrus precatorius L. (Leguminosae)

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this research was to evaluate, comparatively, the anti-oxidant and anti-bacteria properties of the mixture and the individual plants to ascertain if there is need for the continuous use of the herbal mixture as a contraceptive therapy. Methods: The standard methods used to investigate the antioxidant activity were the standard methods of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Property (FRAP). Anti-bacterial activity was evaluated by the Agar well Diffusion method.   Results: EH and ZX performed better as anti-oxidant agents than the herbal mixture. They compared favourably with ascorbic acid, the positive control. However, the herbal mixture performed better than AP. The herbal mixture did not show better inhibitory activity on the bacteria investigated than EH and AP. Conclusion: In conclusion, the use of this herbal mixture as a contraceptive should be discontinued based on the results of the anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activities. Both E. hirta and Z. zanthoxyloides performed better as antioxidant agents while A. precatorius and E. hirta performed better as anti-bacterial agents.