Antioxidant Properties of Thespesia garckeana (Gorontula) Pulp and Seed

Abstract

The accumulation of free radicals causes oxidative damage to biomolecules, contributing to various metabolic and degenerative diseases. The need for effective antioxidants has led to the exploration of natural sources, particularly medicinal plants. Thespesia garckeana, a plant with ethnomedicinal value, has been traditionally used for various ailments. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of T. garckeana pulp and seed. The plant materials were sourced from Gombe, Nigeria, and authenticated by a taxonomist. Various antioxidant assays, including DPPH, ABTS, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, as well as the FRAP Assay, were carried out using standard procedures. The results revealed that T. garckeana pulp and seed extracts possess significant antioxidant properties, with the seed extract exhibiting higher DPPH scavenging activity and the pulp showing stronger ABTS, Superoxide scavenging activities, Hydroxyl radical and FRAP assay while both pulp and seed show the extracts' abilities to neutralize hydrogen peroxide at different concentrations when compared to the standard revealing among the extracts, the pulp showing higher antioxidant activity than the seeds. The extracts demonstrated considerable scavenging abilities against various reactive oxygen species (ROS), indicating their potential to mitigate oxidative stress. The findings support the traditional use of T. garckeana in managing oxidative stress-related diseases and suggest its potential as a natural antioxidant source. In conclusion, T. garckeana pulp and seed extracts are promising natural antioxidants, meriting further investigation into their therapeutic potential.