Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant profile of methanolic extract of seed, pulp and peel of Baccaurea ramiflora Lour

Objective: To analyze the phytochemical constituents responsible for the plausible antioxidant effect of methanolic extract of the seed, pulp and peel of Baccaurea ramiflora Lour. Methods: Fresh seed, pulp, and peel of Baccaurea ramiflora fruits were extracted with methanol (MEBRse, MEBRpu, MEBRpe) and evaluated by phytochemical analysis for their content of innumerable metabolites (primary and secondary) viz. carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, proteins, and fixed oils. The antioxidant efficacy was assessed through different assay methods viz. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reducing power capacity (RPC). Estimation of total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) was also done to confirm the presence of these phytochemicals. Results: It was revealed from the phytochemical analysis of MEBRse that alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, phenols, and flavonoids were present, while that of MEBRpu showed the existence of carbohydrates, proteins, alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, and fixed oils. Presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids were found in the MEBRpe. A significant antioxidant activity was revealed by the MEBRpu [EC50 : (27.612 +/- 1.375) mu g/mL], compared to MEBRpe, and MEBRse in DPPH assay. The ranking order for RPC was MEBRpu > MEBRpe > MEBRse respectively. The EC50 value of TAC of the MEBRpu, MEBRpe, and MEBRse were (25.107 +/- 0.744) mu g/mL, (241.127 +/- 7.463) mu g/mL and (372.364 +/- 11.030) mu g/mL, respectively. Quantity of TPC and TFC were the highest in the MEBRpu (124.360 +/- 2.078 mg GAE/g and 107.527 +/- 1.900 mg QRE/g extract) rather than MEBRpe and MEBRse extracts. Conclusions: This study suggests that MEBRpu has a significantly higher antioxidant property than MEBRpe and MEBRse. These extracts might be advantageous in prevention or decelerating the progress of different diseases related to oxidative-stress/damage. Moreover, detailed analysis of these extracts is required to identify the presence of promising compound(s) responsible for their antioxidant activity.