Antioxidant Potency and Bioactive compound of Balanites aegyptiaca Fraction

Abstract

This study investigated the antioxidant potential and bioactive compounds of a methanolic fraction from the stem bark of Balanites aegyptiaca, a traditionally used medicinal plant from Nigeria's Sudan Savanna ecological zone. The primary goal was to validate its traditional use and identify the specific compounds responsible for its biological activity. Using column chromatography, the most active fraction was isolated, and its antioxidant capacity was measured using the DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assays, with ascorbic acid serving as a standard. The results demonstrated a clear dose-dependent antioxidant activity, with the B. aegyptiaca fraction showing a statistically comparable activity to the ascorbic acid standard in both assays (p=0.775 for DPPH and p=0.669 for FRAP). Furthermore, GC-MS analysis of the fraction revealed a rich and diverse phytochemical profile, identifying 49 bioactive compounds, including dominant terpenes like Caryophyllene and Germacrene D, as well as various fatty acid esters and sugar derivatives. These findings provide scientific evidence supporting the plant's traditional use, indicating that its potent antioxidant properties are likely a result of the synergistic action of these identified bioactive compounds. The study concludes that B. aegyptiaca holds significant promise as a source of natural therapeutic agents for managing oxidative stress-related diseases.