PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF SCENT LEAF
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of scentleaf,an aromaticand medicinal herbwidelyused in traditional African medicine. Qualitativeandquantitative phytochemical, and antioxidant analyses of the aqueous ethanol extract were carriedout to identify and assess it's key bioactive constituents, and antioxidant potential. The resultsrevealed the presence of these phytochemicals in varying concentrations, with terpenoids (11.50mg/g) and glycosides (20.10 g/mL) being the most abundant while moderate amounts offlavonoids (1.25 mg/L), alkaloids (1.70 g), tannins (2.23 mg/L) and saponins (3.10 mg/L).Werealso detected in appreciable quantities. The abundance of these secondary metabolites indicatesthat O. gratissimum possesses significant antioxidant and therapeutic potential. The synergisticpresenceofphenoliccompoundscontributestoitsfreeradicalscavengingabilityandsupportsitstraditional use in the treatment of infections, oxidative stress-related disorders, and inflammatoryconditions. These findings suggest that O. gratissimum is a valuable natural source ofantioxidants and bioactive compounds that can be utilized in pharmaceutical and nutraceuticalapplications.
Keywords: antioxidants, glycosides, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, herbal medicine,nutraceutical, Ocimum gratissimum, phytochemicals.
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