Comparative Analysis of Antioxidant, Nutritional, Phytochemical and Enzyme Inhibition Properties of Justicia carnea and Alchornea cordifolia Leaf Meals

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in plant-derived compounds for their potential health benefits and therapeutic applications. In this study, two botanical species, Alchornea cordifolia and Justicia carnea leaf meals were examined for their antioxidant characteristics, phytochemical and proximate composition, anti-proteinase properties and lipase, albumin, alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory properties. A. cordifolia exhibited significantly higher levels of vitamin C, ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate scavenging activity and flavonoid content compared to J. carnea, indicating superior antioxidant potential. Conversely, J. carnea showed higher saponin and cardiac glycoside content. Notably, A. cordifolia demonstrated stronger inhibition of lipase albumin and anti-proteinase activities, as well as higher inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes compared to J. carnea. Proximate composition analysis revealed differences in moisture, nitrogen-free extract, crude fat, crude fiber and crude protein contents between the two leaf meals. In conclusion, A. cordifolia emerges as a promising source of antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors, highlighting its potential as a valuable nutraceutical resource. Its superior properties to J. carnea suggest its potential application as a functional food ingredient for promoting health and preventing metabolic disorders. This study provides valuable insights into the biochemical and nutritional composition of these leaf meals, contributing to the understanding of their potential health benefits.