Comparative study on chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Annona Muricata plant parts cultivated in covenant university, Ota, Ogun state, Nigeria

Abstract

Annona muricata plant parts possess a broad range of medicinal and biological properties. This research compared the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of Annona muricata parts. Proximate, mineral, total phenol and total flavonoid content as well as in vitro antioxidant activity were examined. Results revealed the leaves contained significantly (p<0.05) higher composition of moisture (8.69±0.22 %), ash (4.60±0.02 %), protein (14.53±0.11 %), crude fat (10.28±0.03 %), chromium (0.38±0.05 mg/100g), nickel (1.75±0.04 mg/100g), total phenol (1.01±0.03 mg pyrocatechol/mL) and total flavonoid (1.12±0.03 mgGAE/mL) compared to the respective values for root. Carbohydrate (9.29±0.24 %), lead (0.13±0.02 mg/100g) and cobalt (1.93±0.02 mg/100g) composition was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the leaves compared to the respective compositions in the root. The leaf and root extract exhibited a concentration-dependent increase in hydroxyl radical scavenging activity with no observable (p<0.05) difference in their EC50 value. This study suggests the leaves of A. muricata found in Covenant University had better chemical composition when compared to the root. Nonetheless, these plant parts may be further exploited for not only their nutritive composition and mineral content but also a natural source of antioxidant agents.