In vitro Antioxidant Assay and Phytochemical Screening of Ethanolic Seed Extract of Dennettia tripetala

Abstract

Aims: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, creating a need to screen medicinal plants for the presence of phytochemicals with antioxidant properties. The seeds of Dennettia tripetala are used to flavour soup/ local drinks and also used traditionally to treat diabetes and stimulate uterine contraction. In this study, the ethanol seed extract of Dennettia tripetala was screened to detect the phytochemicals present and evaluate its antioxidant potential. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria, from May, 2025 to October, 2025. Methodology: Dennettia tripetala seed extract was prepared via maceration method, using ethanol as the extracting solvent. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening was done on the extract using standard methods for detection test. The antioxidant potential of Dennettia tripetala seed was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Hydrogen Peroxide scavenging assay.  Results: The presence of Alkaloids, Phenol, Saponins, Flavonoid, Tannin, Cardiac glycosides, Reducing sugar, Steroid and Anthocyanins were detected in the ethanol seed extract of Dennettia tripetala, with steroid having the strongest presence. Percentage inhibition of DPPH radical ranged from 32.41 - 65.12% for the ethanol seed extract of D. tripetala and 66.27 - 84.08% for ascorbic acid. The percentage inhibition of H2O2 radicals ranged from 29.52 - 69.38% for ethanol seed extract of D. tripetala and 48.72 - 94.05% for ascorbic acid. The IC50 of ethanol seed extract of D. tripetala against DPPH radical and H2O2 was 52.99 and 52.04 µg/mL respectively Conclusion: Dennettia tripetala seed possesses a strong antioxidant ability and can be used as a source of natural antioxidant to combat diseases associated with oxidative stress.