Plants are widely used in developing countries for traditional medicine. Knowledge of biological activities and phytochemistry is necessary for the safe use of these plants in traditional medicine. Securidaca longepedunculata is a medicinal plant whose roots are widely used in the treatment of several diseases. In this study the content of total triterpenes in leaf and root bark was assessed. The antioxidant activity by the ABTS method was evaluated as well as the effect of the extracts on lipid peroxidation of mice liver cell membranes. Acute toxicity was evaluated at the dose of 2000 mg / mL administered to the mouse. The results showed that the maximum values of the triterpenes contents of the leaves and of the root bark are 58 and 21 mg UAE / 100 mg respectively. Methanolic and chloroform extracts from leaves and root bark inhibited more than 50% of lipid peroxidation. The same extracts showed strong ABTS cation reduction activity. The leaf extract did not induce signs of acute toxicity in mice at a dose of 2000 mg / mL. The leaves of S. longepedunculata could be used in the management of pathologies associated with oxidative stress or which require biological properties relating to triterpene compounds.

Securidaca longepedunculata, triterpenes, peroxidation, toxicity