Phytochemical characterization and antioxidant potential of black mangrove (Avicennia germinans L.) from the northern coast of Ecuador using aqueous and ethanolic extraction
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Predominant among the mangroves of the northern coast of Ecuador, the black mangrove ( Avicennia germinans) has been traditionally used in medicine. This study focuses on its phytochemical characterization and antioxidant activity. Bark, leaves, seeds, and roots were washed, dried at 35°C for 96 hours until reaching a moisture content of 10 ± 2%, and ground. Extracts were obtained by macerating the plant material (1:10 ratio) with sterile water or 96% ethanol, followed by ultrasound-assisted extraction at 35°C for 1 hour and further maceration at 35 ± 1°C for 24 hours. Qualitative phytochemical screening identified secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and saponins, while total phenol content was quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH and ABTS assays. Aqueous extracts showed higher phenol concentrations, with the bark extract containing 629.5 ±10.44 mg GAE·g⁻¹. The roots exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with 21171.73 µmol Trolox equivalents g⁻¹ (DPPH) and 13512.00 µmol Trolox equivalents g⁻¹ (ABTS). The antioxidant activity values exhibited statistically significant differences among the extracts and relative to other plant species. The differences in metabolite concentration and antioxidant activity among plant parts and solvents are attributed to physiological adaptation and selective mobility of compounds within the plant. These findings confirm that A. germinans is a valuable source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic and antioxidant properties, supporting its potential use in the development of antioxidant-based formulations. Moreover, these results provide key information for mangrove conservation and its potencial application in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and environmental sectors.
Authors: Mario Bonilla-Loor, Liceth Solórzano-Zambrano, Anderson Pazmiño, Diego Segovia-Cedeño, Johnny Delgado-Mera, Miguel Tuárez-Párraga, Ana Aguilar-Paredes, John Molina-Villamar
Institution: Universidad Técnica de Manabí
Language: English
Subfield: Biochemistry
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $950
OpenAlex ID: W4413821064