Browsing by Author "Keke, Collins Obinna"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Chemical characterization and antioxidant properties of ethanol-water leaf extract of Justicia secunda and Jatropha tanjorensis
    (Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2023-10) Keke, Collins Obinna
    This study evaluated the chemical compositions, antioxidant and toxicological properties of ethanol-water leaf extracts of Justicia secunda and Jatropha tanjorensis. Proximate compositions were assessed using standard methods, while minerals, amino acids and phytochemical compositions were evaluated with the aid of atomic absorption spectrophotometer, amino acid analyzer and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer respectively. Antioxidant vitamins, total phenol, flavonoid contents, and free radical scavenging properties were also determined, while toxicological evaluation was via brine shrimp lethality assay. Both plants exhibited significant nutrient contents based on proximate and mineral analyses. Histidine and phenylalanine were the most abundant essential amino acids, while glycine and proline were the most prevalent non-essential amino acids in J. secunda and J. tanjorensis respectively. Notable amounts of phytochemicals were observed, with Jatropha tanjorensis having higher levels of sapogenin, anthocyanin, and anti-nutrient factors. GC-MS analysis revealed 62 and 52 bioactive compounds in J. secunda and J. tanjorensis respectively. J. secunda had higher levels of antioxidant vitamins C, E, and A, while J. tanjorensis demonstrated higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents. J. tanjorensis also displayed higher DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, while J.secunda showed better FRAP. The brine shrimp lethality test indicated that the ethanol-water leaf extract of J. secunda exhibited higher toxicity (LC50; 7.59 x 102 ± 0.03µg/ml) compared to J. tanjorensis (LC50; 9.89 x 103 ± 0.03 µg/ml). The study has confirmed the forkloric claim of high nutritive and medicinal value of J. secunda and J. tanjorensis leaves. It showed that the plants contain significant amounts of bioactive compounds and antioxidants with free radical scavenging potentials but calls for caution in their use especially with J. secunda that had significant toxic effect on brine shrimp.