Analysis of Bioactive Substances and Anti – oxidant activities of the Bark, Leaves and Root of Psidium guajava (Guava) Grown in Ankpa, kogi, Nigeria.

Abstract

This work analyzed the bioactive substances and antioxidant activities of the bark, leaves and root of guava grown in Ankpa, Kogi, Nigeria. The guava parts were collected, washed and dried at room temperature and then grounded into fine particle. The pulverized samples, 120g each was weighed and extracted in 350 mL absolute ethanol. The mixtures were allowed to stand for a week for extraction and the solutes obtained sacrificially were analyzed. The result of the extracts shows the plant parts to contain alkaloids, carbohydrate (except root). Glycoside, protein and amino acid, flavonoid, phenol, tannin, saponin, phytosterol, cholesterol, triterpenoid, quinone, anthraquinone, coumarin, emodin, gum and mucilage as bioactive substances. The % KMnO4 free radical scavenging ability at EC50 shows the anti – oxidant activities as 54.50% for the bark, 74.86% for the leaves, and 77.48% for the roots as compared with 84.39% for the standard ascorbic acid. These results indicate that the guava plant parts have great potential in removing free radical from the body and hence, could be a source for health management. Conclusion was drawn that the presence of these bioactive substances and the scavenging ability of the parts of guava could be responsible for its efficacy as potent therapeutic in the prevention and treatment of certain ailment in our locality. Standardization, isolation and purification of these plant parts is highly recommended for optimal utilization of the medicinal potentials of this plant parts.  

Keywords: Anti – oxidant, Bioactive, Psidium guajava, Guava, Analysis