EVALUATION OF THE NUTRITIVE ANTIOXIDANT AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE GREEN LEAVE OF TERMINALIA CATAPPA

Medicinal plants have long been a cornerstone of traditional medicine and a valuable resource for moden pharmacology. Plants are essential for discovering new compounds with potential therapeutic benefits (Koparde et al., 2019). One of such plant is, Terminalia catappa, commonly known as Indian Almond, Tropical Almond, or Sea Almond, is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. This tree is notable not only for its ornamental value but also for its diverse uses in traditional medicine (Habibullah, et al., 2023). Terminalia catappa has a rich history in traditional medicine across various cultures. Its leaves, bark, and fruit have been used to treat a range of ailments, including liver diseases, respiratory disorders, and skin infections (Cock, 2015). The leaves, in particular, have been used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and eye problems. Despite its widespread traditional use, scientific studies on the nutritional, antioxidant, and phytochemical properties of Terminalia catappa leaves remain limited. The global rise in chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, has intensified tlhe search for natural compounds with health-promoting properties. Medicinal plants are rich sources of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, which play a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing disease (Pammi et al., 2023). Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, thereby preventing oxidative stress and its associated cellular damage. This has positioned antioxidants at the forefront of research aimed at developing dietary supplements and functional foods (Tan et al., 2018),