Isolation and quantification of phenolic constituents in Pepouri for pharmaceutical applications
Keywords:
Cucurbita plant sample, antioxidant, Phenolic contents, Lowry solutions, Gallic acid solutionAbstract
Cucumis p. is a widely cultivated vegetable crop, particularly grown in Southern Africa and other regions, including Nigeria. Its fruits, flowers, and seeds are commonly consumed, either raw or cooked. This species is nutritionally rich, containing essential compounds such as calcium, iron, proteins, oils, and vitamins. Notably, it provides vitamin A and natural antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and β-carotene, which help protect sensitive biomolecules from oxidative damage and delay the aging process.
The total phenolic content of Cucurbita p. was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. Among the different extracts, the petroleum ether fraction exhibited the highest phenolic content (17.1 mg/g gallic acid equivalent), followed by the methanol extract (12.6 mg/g), while the ethanol extract showed the lowest value (8.0 mg/g). HPLC chromatographic analysis further confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds, with distinct peaks observed at 254 nm at varying retention times.
These findings suggest that Cucurbita p. possesses significant antioxidant activity, highlighting its potential as a natural source of antioxidants.
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