Phytochemistry, and Antioxidant Potential of Aqueous Extract of Terminalia chebula Fruit from the Coal-Affected Forests of Bokaro District, Jharkhand

Abstract

This study investigates the ethnobotanical significance, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant potential of the aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula fruit, collected from the coal-affected forests of Bokaro District, Jharkhand. Using DPPH and NBT assays, the antioxidant activity of the extract was evaluated at various concentrations (50, 100, 250, and 500 µg/mL). The DPPH assay revealed a dose-dependent increase in radical scavenging activity, with Terminalia chebula achieving 82.3% inhibition at 500 µg/mL. In comparison, ascorbic acid, a standard antioxidant, exhibited higher inhibition rates, reaching 95.0% at the same concentration. Similarly, the NBT assay demonstrated that the extract inhibited superoxide radicals, with 78.9% inhibition at 500 µg/mL, while ascorbic acid achieved 94.4% inhibition. The phytochemical analysis indicates a rich composition of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins in the extract, which are likely responsible for its antioxidant properties. These findings support the traditional medicinal uses of Terminalia chebula, particularly in managing oxidative stress-related conditions. Overall, the study highlights the significant antioxidant potential of Terminalia chebula fruit extract, suggesting its possible applications in functional foods and natural health products. Future research should focus on isolating specific bioactive compounds and exploring their synergistic effects to fully understand the therapeutic potential of this valuable ethnobotanical resource.