Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Antioxidant and Proximate Properties of Morinda lucida Ethanolic Extract

Abstract

Morinda lucida is a tropical West African evergreen shrub or small to medium sized rainforest tree, having brown colored bark, white flowers and yellowish ellipsoid seeds. It is widely used in traditional medicine systems of different countries. This study was designed to carry out the preliminary phytochemical screening and evaluation antioxidant and proximate properties of ethanol extracts prepared from the bark, leaves and root of M. lucida. It revealed the presence of saponin, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides. Furthermore, it also revealed the presence of minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper and phosphorus were confirmed. Anti-nutrients were also present in appreciable quantities. The anti-nutrients: Phytates, oxalates and saponins were present in different concentrations, Furthermore, the percentage of proximate content and In-vitro antioxidant potential were also estimated in this current study. The study analyzed the elemental composition, anti-nutrient and antioxidant properties of ethanol extracts of the stem, leaf and root of M. lucida.