IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH (IJHPR )

E-ISSN 2545-5737
P-ISSN 2695-2165
VOL. 10 NO. 4 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijhpr.vol.10.no4.2025.pg62.74

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Evaluation of the Nutritional Composition, Antioxidant Properties, and ?-Amylase Inhibitory Activity of Methanol Leaf Extracts of Terminalia catappa and Ocimum gratissimum

Okugbo, Osarhieme Tinuade, and Obianke, Annabel Uhunamure

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Abstract

This study comparatively evaluated the nutritional composition, phytochemical constituents, in vitro antioxidant properties, and ?-amylase inhibitory activities of methanol leaf extracts of Terminalia catappa and Ocimum gratissimum. Standard procedures were used for proximate and phytochemical analyses, while spectrophotometric methods assessed total flavonoid and phenolic contents, antioxidant capacity (via DPPH, TAC, FRAP, and reducing power assays), and ?-amylase inhibitory activity. Proximate analysis showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in crude fiber and total carbohydrate contents between the two extracts. T. catappa exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity, while total flavonoid content showed no significant variation between the extracts. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was concentration-dependent, with T. catappa demonstrating a lower IC?? value (1.35 ± 0.16 mg/mL), indicating stronger antioxidant potency compared to O. gratissimum (2.65 ± 0.17 mg/mL). However, O. gratissimum displayed superior ?-amylase inhibitory activity in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting potential for glycemic control. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of both plants: T. catappa as a promising antioxidant source and O. gratissimum as a candidate for antidiabetic intervention.

keywords:

Terminalia catappa, Ocimum gratissimum, Antioxidant activity, ?-Amylase inhibition

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