COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF AQUEOUS AND METHANOLIC GMELINA ARBOREA LEAF EXTRACT.
Abstract
This study compared the phytochemical profile and antioxidant properties of aqueous and methanolic leaf extracts of Gmelina arborea, with emphasis on their implications for ruminant production. Qualitative and quantitative screening revealed tannins, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins in both extracts. Methanolic extract contained higher levels of phenols (110.0 ± 0.1 mg/100 mL), flavonoids (1378 ± 13.0 mg/100 mL), and alkaloids (425.0 ± 0.2 mg/100 mL), while aqueous extract was richer in tannins (103.88 ± 0.12 mg/100 mL) and saponins (1010 ± 20 mg/100 mL). Antioxidant assays showed that methanolic extract exhibited superior radical scavenging activity in DPPH (54.89 ± 0.08%) and ABTS (75.93 ± 0.25%) compared to aqueous extract (33.92 ± 0.16% and 27.48 ± 0.11%, respectively). Conversely, the aqueous extract had greater ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP: 100 ± 0.11%) than the methanolic extract (12.65 ± 0.03%). These findings suggest that Gmelina arborea leaves are rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity, which could enhance rumen microbial function, protect animals against oxidative stress, and improve nutrient utilization. The study concludes that solvent choice influences phytochemical yield and antioxidant efficacy, and both aqueous and methanolic extracts of Gmelina arborea hold potential for use in ruminant nutrition and health management.
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