DETERMINATION OF ANTIOXIDANT STUDY OF MORINDA CITRIFOLIA (THE NONI FRUIT

ABSTRACT Morinda Citrifolia, a member of the Rubiaceae family is an evergreen shrub whose ripe fruit has a strong butyric acid smell and flavour. The leaves and especially the fruits are consumed in different forms by various communities (e.g the Polynesians). Recent studies have shown that this fruit has antibiotic and antioxidant properties in vitro, we still do not have scientific evidence supporting the nutritional and medicinal values of Noni in humans. In this current study, the leaf extracts of Morinda citrifolia were subjected to Antioxidant activities. Morinda citrifolia was obtained randomly at Watt Market Calabar, Cross River State. Samples were authenticated in the Biochemistry Laboratory, University of Cross River State, Calabar. The plant sample was air dried for one week before homogenization, using an omini blend heavy duty professional blender, model JTCV. Homogenized samples were kept in a tight container prior to analysis. Dried Morinda citrifolia leaves were pulverized into fine powder. About 50g of the powder was macerated in 500ml of 80% ethanol for 48hours. The concentrated extract was stored at 4°C for further analysis. The following Antioxidant Assays were used to determine the antioxidant activities in the sample; The DPPH radical inhibition (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power). In conclusion, Morinda Citrifolia Leaf extract possesses significant antioxidant activity, as shown by its ability to scavange free radicals and reduce ferric ions.