Comparative Phytochemical and in vitro Antioxidant Screening of the Root and Stem Bark of Annona muricata Linn

Abstract

Aim: To compare the phytochemicals and antioxidant activities of stem bark and root extracts of Annona muricata. Methodology: The stem bark and root of Annona muricata were collected, washed, air-dried, ground and each extracted with methanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane. The extracts were analysed for the presence of phytochemicals. Antioxidant screening was also carried out on the samples. Results: Cardiac glycosides were present in all the extracts of both root and stem bark. Alkaloids were present in moderate abundance in all the extracts except the ethyl acetate stem bark extract. Saponins and tannins were found in methanol extracts of both parts and also in very high abundance but the stem contained higher amount of saponins while alkaloids and tannins were found more in the root. Flavonoids were only found in the ethyl acetate stem bark extract.  Steroids were absent in all the extracts except n-hexane root extract. The root showed greater enzymatic antioxidant activities than the stem bark. The solvent polarity affected the phytochemical found in each extract.  The antioxidant activities of the catalase, superoxidase dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly higher in the root of Annona muricata than in the stem. Conversely, peroxidase showed a significantly higher activity in the stem than in the root. Conclusion: The stem bark and root exhibited good antioxidant properties, so there is need to isolate the compounds responsible for antioxidant property exhibited by the plant parts.