2025, Vol. 13, Issue 3, Part C

author(s)
Shemishere BU, Asuquo E, Akah SO, Anyebe AD, Jaboro GA, Aghayere F, Erhovwosere O, Taiwo J and Turaki AA

abstract
The therapeutic effects of herbal medicinal products stem from an array of phytocompounds present in plants, which act as valuable sources of natural antioxidants. This research sought to explore the bioactive components of Jinja Herbal Extract (JHE). Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical assessments were performed using standardized methods. Chemical profiling was conducted via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), with the mass spectra of detected compounds matched against standard database. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of the extract was assessed through standard antioxidant assays. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, alkaloids, and phenols, with steroids absent. Quantitative results indicated a total phenolic content of 28.81±2.29 mg Gallic acid equivalent/g of extract, a flavonoid content of 10.40±1.86 mg/g (quercetin equivalent), and a tannin content of 44.65±1.30 mg/g (tannic acid equivalent). GC-MS analysis revealed 28 biologically active compounds within the extract. The extract demonstrated interaction with the stable DPPH free radical, resulting in a color change in its solution. The DPPH radical scavenging activity by JHE at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 mg/ml recorded a dose dependent percentage increase as the Ascorbic acid standard. The IC50 for DPPH scavenging activity of the extract was calculated as 40.18±0.98 µg/ml. The extract displayed a concentration-dependent enhancement in DPPH radical scavenging, alongside increases in Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP) and Reducing Power (RP). These results suggest that the bioactive constituents of JHE hold considerable promise for managing oxidative stress-related conditions. Additional studies on the plant’s in vivo antioxidant properties and safety profile are recommended.