Secondary metabolites and <i>In-vitro</i> Antioxidant Properties of Methanol Extracts of Fruits of <i>Annona senegalensis, Curcubita pepo L, Cucumi melo inodorous </i>and <i>Sarcocephalus latifolius</i>.

Abstract

The Methanolic extracts of fruits of Annona senegalensis, Curcubita pepo L., Cucumi melo inodorous and Sarcocephalus latifolius were screened for their phytochemical constituents and in-vitro antioxidant properties using standard methods. Results revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, saponins, flavoniods and phenols in all the fruits studied. Quantitative phytochemical determination of the fruits showed that alkaloid content of the extract ranged between 8.89 ± 0.30 to 193.47± 0.30mg/g while tannin content was in the range of 89.45 ± 1.23 mg/g and 392.71 ± 0.23 mg/g, saponins between10.50 ± 0.50 mg/g and 97.31 ± 0.61 mg/g, total phenols between 75.25 ± 1.85 and 374.52 mg/g, and total flavonoid content between 5.24 ± 0.44 mg/g and 57.00± 10.50mg/g. All the fruits studied showed antioxidant activity in a concentration dependent manner. Annona senegalensis extract showed the highest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity (38.43-77.15%) while Curcubita pepoL showed the least DPPH scavenging ability (1.00- 3.8%) compared to other extracts. The highest reducing power was also observed in Annona senegalensis extract compared to other fruits extract. These fruits can serve as good sources of antioxidants which can be used in the management of degenerative diseases.

Key words: DPPH Free radical, reductive power, Annona senegalensis, Curcubita pepo L, Cucumis melo inodorous, Sarcocephalus latifolius