Phytochemical characterization and antioxidant potential of Raphia hookeri mesocarp from Mebole (Gabon)

Abstract

This study presents the results of antioxidant potential and phytochemical analysis of mesocarp fruits of Raphia hookeri. Phytochemical characterization was performed on extracts obtained by polarity gradient with the following solvents: ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol. The evaluation of the antioxidant potential was performed with the aqueous extract. The results obtained indicate the abundance of alkaloids, polyphenols, triterpenes, and reducing compounds in each extract. However, coumarins, anthracene compounds, flavanones, and flavanols were absent in each extract. Leucoanthocyanins are present in the ethyl acetate extract and the methanolic extract. Flavones are present in the acetone extract and the methanolic extract. Free anthracenes, saponins, catechin tannins, and catechins were present in the methanolic extract. Gallic tannins were present in the acetone extract. The antioxidant activity results were very low: IC50 = 521.43 ± 1.02 µg/mL; AAI = 0.1 ± 0.0001.