Bioactivity-guided Evaluation of Alligator pepper (Aframomum melegueta): Phytochemicals, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-diabetic Potentials and Anti-obesity

Abstract

This study presents a bioactivity-guided evaluation of Aframomum melegueta (Alligator pepper) aimed at elucidating its nutraceutical potential through comprehensive phytochemical profiling and in vitro assessment of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity properties. The alligator pepper extract was prepared using water as the sole extraction solvent. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of diverse bioactive constituents, with alkaloids (62.05 mg/g) being the most abundant, followed by phenolics (25.56 mg GAE/g), saponins (15.58 mg/g), flavonoids (9.29 mg QE/g), tannins (1.35 mg/g), and steroids (0.06 mg/g). Antioxidant activity was confirmed through multiple assays: DPPH radical scavenging (83.4%), lipid peroxidation inhibition (45.07%), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (5.90 mg vitamin C equivalents/g). The seed powder also contained 1.22 mg/g of vitamin C. The anti-diabetic evaluation demonstrated moderate inhibition of key carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzymes, with 44.27% and 41.03% inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity was evidenced by 85.56% antiproteinase inhibition and 50.31% inhibition of protein denaturation. In addition, the seed extract displayed appreciable anti-obesity potential, as shown by 40.18% inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity. Overall, A. melegueta demonstrates multifunctional bioactivities that support its potential application in nutraceutical formulations and complementary therapies in human and veterinary health. In conclusion, Aframomum melegueta exhibits significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity activities, confirming its potential as a functional nutraceutical. Further in vivo investigations and mechanistic studies are recommended to substantiate these bioactivities and assess the safety and efficacy of its phytoconstituents in clinical and animal models.