TOTAL PHENOLIC, FLAVONOID AND MINERAL CONTENTS OF THE METHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF PARINARI CURATELLIFOLIA PLANCH. EX BENTH

Abstract

Objective: Parinari curatellifolia is a medicinal plant that possesses multifunctional properties. The aim of this research was to evaluate the mineral, total phenolic and flavonoids contents and some biological parameters of the methanolic leaf extract. Methods: The leaves were extracted with methanol to obtain the crude extract. Phytochemical screening was carried out using the method described by Harborne, 1999. The extract was subjected to GC-MS analysis, Aluminum colorimetric assay was used to determine the total flavonoid content while Folin-Ciocalteau reagent was used to evaluate the total phenolic content. The antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The mineral content was determined via atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Disc diffusion method was used for the antibacterial assay. Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides, while steroids, anthraquinones and cyano glycosides were absent. The GC-MS profile showed catechol as the most abundant phytochemical and the identified phytocomponents were mainly polyphenolics, carbonyls, fatty acids and fatty acid esters. The extract possesses total flavonoid and phenolic contents of 13.46±0.02 mg/g quercetin equivalent and 58.43±0.15 mg/g Gallic acid equivalent, respectively. The extract exhibited a significant antioxidant of 84%. Concentration of the macro and micro elements were quite high in some cases. Na had the highest concentration of 42522.70±2146.50 µg/g, while Cu has the lowest value of 4.18±0.03µg/g. The antibacterial activity of the extract was comparable to that of the standard antibiotic. Bacillus subtilis exhibited the highest zone of inhibition of 29±0.10 mm while Salmonella typii and Kliebsiella pneumoniae gave the lowest value of 14±0.12 mm. Conclusion: Parinari curatellifolia leaves possess tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. It has high antioxidant and antibacterial capabilities.