Antioxidant and Phytochemical Profile of Crude Ethanol Extract and Fractions of Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O’Rorke) Baill Seed

Abstract

The study investigated the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant capacity of Irvingia gabonensis seeds, a plant known as African mango, renowned for its rich phytochemical content and potential health benefits. Phytochemicals, bioactive compounds in plants with therapeutic properties, and antioxidants, vital for combating oxidative stress caused by free radicals, were the focus of assessment. Standard phytochemistry procedures and antioxidant assays were employed for this purpose. The study aimed to determine the phytochemical constituents present in the seeds of Irvingia gabonensis; and  evaluate the antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging activity of the crude ethanol extract and its ethyl acetate fraction of Irvingia gabonensis seeds. Seeds of Irvingia gabonensis were processed to obtain a crude ethanol extract and an ethyl acetate fraction. Standard phytochemistry procedures identified Saponins, Tannins, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Anthraquinones, Steroids, Terpenoids, Alkaloids, and Phenols. Antioxidant potential was assessed through various assays, including DPPH, TPC, FRAP, and Total antioxidant capacity. Results revealed the presence of significant amounts of various active phytochemicals, including Saponins, Tannins, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Anthraquinones, Steroids, Terpenoids, Alkaloids, and Phenols. These compounds contribute to its medicinal properties. Additionally, the research findings indicated that Irvingia gabonensis exhibited considerable antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by the results of the antioxidant assays. This study demonstrated that Irvingia gabonensis seeds are a rich source of diverse phytochemicals and possess notable antioxidant capacity. The presence of these active compounds suggests the potential health benefits of Irvingia gabonensis and its possible use in natural antioxidant-based therapies.