Chemical compositions of ethanol extracts of Mimosa pudica root and Anacardium occidentale stem bark
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The ongoing requirement to consistently supplement the existing global medicine supply has persisted in driving the exploration for bioactive substances derived from natural sources, such as plants. The objective of this study is to evaluate the chemical contents of ethanol extracts obtained from the roots of Mimosa pudica and the stem bark of Anacardium occidentale. The phytochemical examination was conducted using gas chromatography combined with a mass spectrophotometer. The amino acid profile was analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while the presence of bioactive substances was screened using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer. The assessment of its ability to scavenge free radicals was conducted by assessing its inhibitory impact on ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), Nitric oxide (NO), superoxide scavenging radical, and 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. M. pudica showed the highest level of statistically significant (P<0.05) Nitric oxide radical scavenging activity. The findings indicate that the ethanol extracts of M. pudica roots and Anacardium occidentale stem bark contain a substantial number of beneficial phytochemicals, which possess notable antioxidant capabilities and the potential to eliminate free radicals. The proximate and mineral composition of the plants was determined using standard methods. The moisture content was found to be 3.65 ± 0.05% and 4.45 ± 0.07%, the fibre content was 3.55 ± 0.09% and 1.90 ± 0.05%, the ash content was 5.49 ± 0.12% and 3.94 ± 0.09%, the fat content was 0.89 ± 0.02% and 4.31 ± 0.07%, the protein content was 8.40 ± 0.10% and 9.90 ± 0.13%, and the carbohydrate content was 78.03 ± 1.18% and 75.52 ± 1.15%. In terms of minerals, the iron content was 3.98 ± 0.03% and 2.47 ± 0.07%, the copper content was 0.14 ± 0.01% and 0.10 ± 0.01%, and the zinc content was 0.34 ± 0.03% and 0.21 ± 0.02%. The composition of the sample is as follows: Magnesium (6.49 ± 0.86%), and (4.89 ± 0.93%), Potassium (6.46 ± 0.64%), and (6.04 ± 0.43%). The findings indicate that the bioactive chemicals found in the root of M. pudica and the stem bark of Anacardium occidentale have significant potential as a nutritional supplement and for the development of natural drugs.
Authors: C.N. Amaefula, R.N. Nwaoguikpe, C.I. Iheme
Institution: Federal University of Technology Owerri
Language: English
Topic: Medicinal Plant Research
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4401646523