Phytochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Pericap of <i>Garcinia kola</i> Extract

Abstract

The powdered pericap of the plant was extracted with methanol at room temperature of 25OC, partitioned with n-hexane, ethylacetate and butanol respectively. The extract and fractions were subjected to phytochemical analysis using established standard procedures. Antioxidant screening using DPPH (2, 2−diphenyl−1−picryl hydroxyl radical) procedure was carried out on the fractions and compared with ascorbic acid as standard. The result of the screening revealed that the pericalp contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins as chemical constituents. The (DPPH) radical scavenging assay of the plant revealed high antioxidant activity.There was significant activity among the extract and fractions, with the petroleum ether fraction showing the highest activity. The study demonstrated that the pericap of the plant is a good source of antioxidants.

Keywords: Antioxidants, phytochemical, extracts, pulp, Garcinia kola