In vitro antioxidant activity and quantitative elemental analysis of Adansonia digitata L. fruit using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy

Abstract

Adansonia dig itata L.(AD) belongs to the family Malvaceae and genus Adansonia , native to the African continent. Various parts of this tree are used for health benefits as well as for food supplements. The dried fruits of AD were taken for the present study. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the different extracts of the fru its showed the presence of various secondary metabolites such as tannins, terpenoids, a lkaloids, cardiac glycosides, phenolics, saponins, flavonoids and steroids. Since the fruits are r ich source o f vitamin C, the antioxidant screening of ethyl acetate and methanol extract were done by three different meth ods. 2 ,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, hydrogen peroxide and 2 ,2 -azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), radical scavenging assays showed excellent antioxidant activity for the fru it of AD. The elemental analysis of the fruits was done by using ICP-OES and the results revealed the presence of various macronutrients (calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus)and micronutrients (iron, sodium, manganese, zinc) in ver y good amount. The present study reveals that AD fruit can be used as a good source of antioxidant and in mineral deficiency ailments.