NNAGBOGU, CHIEMERIE EMMANUEL (2025) ANTIOXIDANT AND QUALITATIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL DETERMINATION OF INDIAN SPINACH. Other thesis, GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY, ENUGU.
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Abstract
Indian spinach (Basella alba) is a widely consumed leafy green vegetable recognized for its nutritional value and traditional medicinal uses. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of Basella alba methanolic leaf extract. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of key bioactive compounds including flavonoids(++), phenols, alkaloids(++), glycosides(++), terpenoids(++), saponins(++), and triterpenoids(++), while carbohydrates and anthraquinones were absent. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging assay. Result showed a % inhibition concentration of 42.41% - 99.12% with minimum standard deviation of 0.17 for the total phenolic content, the plant extract yielded 85.14% at 50mg/ml concentration and a minimum phenolic content of 37.40% at 10mg/ml. the ferric reducing power assay showed a low potency in terms of electron or hydrogen donating capacity. The concentration (100mg/ml of the extract was significantly higher in FRAP activity compared to concentration of 50mg/ml and 10mg/ml respectively. Although the extract’s antioxidant potency was lower compared to standard antioxidants and other medicinal plants, the presence of antioxidant-rich phytochemicals supports the ethno-medicinal use of Basella alba as a functional plant food. These findings provide scientific backing for the potential therapeutic use of Indian spinach and highlight the need for further studies to isolate and characterize its active compounds, optimize extraction methods, and explore its broader applications in nutraceuticals and functional food development.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Other) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Natural Sciences and Environmental Studies |
| Depositing User: | CHIBUEZE EZE |
| Date Deposited: | 11 Sep 2026 14:29 |
| Last Modified: | 11 Sep 2026 14:29 |
| URI: | http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/6343 |
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