Secondary metabolite profile and free-radical scavenging activity of ethyl acetate extract of bidara fruit and leaves ( ziziphus mauritiana)

Abstract

Ziziphus Mauritiana has high economic value but is still considered a nuisance plant for most people. Not only are the fruit and some parts of the Z. Mauritiana plant rich in nutrients, but they also contain bioactive compounds that can benefit health. This study aimed to provide information on the profile of secondary metabolites and free-radical scavenging activity of Z. Mauritiana fruit and leaf extracts. The study consisted of four stages: sample powder preparation, extraction process, phytochemical screening, and free-radical scavenging activity assay by DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhdrazyl) method. The yield of ethyl acetate extract of Z. Mauritiana fruit and leaves obtained from the maceration process was 9.86 g (3.28%) and 12.92 g (4.30%), respectively. Phytochemical screening showed that ethyl acetate extract of Z. Mauritiana fruit and leaves contained flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids. Both extracts showed free-radical scavenging activity in the strong category (IC50 = 50-100 ppm). The ethyl acetate extract of Z. Mauritiana leaves has better free-radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 66.09 ppm) than the fruit (IC50 = 73.39 ppm). The results showed that the fruit and leaves of Z. Mauritiana contain flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids, which act as free radical scavengers and can be used as alternative food sources with potential antioxidant properties.