Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of crude extracts from Pachira aquatica leaves, flowers and seeds

Abstract

Pachira aquatica, an arboreal species belonging to the family Malvaceae, is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. Its leaves are used in folk medicine for treating skin rashes and urticaria; its fruit peels find application in the treatment of diarrhea, diabetes, and anemia; and its lipid-rich seeds are used as human and animal food. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition and assess the antioxidant potential of crude extracts from P. aquatica leaves, flowers and seeds. The plant material was collected and then dried at room temperature. The crude extracts were prepared by dynamic maceration with solvent depletion. Chemical analysis was performed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activity was assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), β-carotene/linoleic acid co-oxidation, and total phenolic content assays. Eleven flavonoids, four phenolic acids, two organic acids and four coumarins were identified in extracts. Crude extracts from leaves, flowers and seeds had total phenolic contents of 28.74; 75.68; and 14.88 g GAE/mg; half‐maximal effective concentrations for DPPH• scavenging activity of 8.02; 0.69; and 4.01 mg/mL; FRAP activities of 0.038; 0.274; and 0.042 µM ferrous sulfate/mg; and the ability to reduce β-carotene/linoleic acid co-oxidation by 42.13%; 64.85%; and 30.37%; respectively. The utilization of antioxidant compounds found in P. aquatica leaves, flowers and seeds in industrial applications is a promising strategy to add value to this plant