IN VITRO EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SPONDIAS MOMBIN LEAF EXTRACT: DISCOVERING FUTURE AVENUES FOR AN AFFORDABLE AND EFFICIENT ANTIOXIDANT

Abstract

Spondias mombin is valued ethno medically in folkloric medicine . This medi cinal plant according to traditional claim is said to cure various infectious and inflammatory ailments of gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract. Formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in inflammatory conditions is said to result in oxidative stress . The antibacterial and anti - inflammatory properties of Spondias mombin especially its leaves, have been linked to a range of compounds in it viz., anthraquinones, berberine, flavonoids, naphthoquinones, sesquiterpenes, quassiniods, indole and quinoline al kaloids. Hence, we aimed at exploring the antioxidant potential of the leaf extract of Spondias mombin by in vitro methods. The ethanolic extract of leaves was subjected to spectrophotometric analysis and DPPH methods to explore its reducing potential. The total phenolic and total flavonoid content was estimated by colorimetric methods . It was obser ved that ethanolic extract of Spondias mombin demonstrated a dose - dependent increase in the reducing property, with higher potency than the reference co mpound so dium metabisulphate. Spondias mombin shade dried leaf powder macerated and later extracted with hot water possessed a significantly high content of flavonoids than those extracted with other solvents. The leaf extract of Spondias mombin possesses significa nt antioxidant activity that may be attributed to its high flavonoid content which could afford protection in inflammatory conditions. This finding strengthens its widespread use in traditional medicine. Animal studies and clinical trials are necessary to validate these beneficial properties and translate them into clinical utility.