Elemental composition, chemical constituents, and DPPH antioxidant activity in Lasimorpha senegalensis
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Abstract. Owaba ADC, Eboh AS, Ugwuabor PU, Uzoefunam CP. 2026. Elemental composition, chemical constituents, and DPPH antioxidant activity in Lasimorpha senegalensis. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 24 (1): f240102. https://doi.org/10.13057/biofar/f240102. Lasimorpha senegalensis is an underutilized medicinal plant whose fruits have received little attention despite their potential nutritional and biological value. This study investigated the elemental composition, chemical constituents, and antioxidant activity of L. senegalensis fruits to evaluate their suitability as a nutraceutical resource. Elemental analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometry revealed the presence of essential macro- and microelements, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, copper, selenium, chromium, and boron, all occurring at concentrations below recommended daily intake and permissible limits, indicating minimal risk of mineral toxicity. High-performance liquid chromatography profiling identified several phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and alkaloids, notably ellagic acid, gallic acid, naringin, naringenin, rutin, kaempferol, and quinolone alkaloids, which are known to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective biological activities. The antioxidant potential of the fruit extract was evaluated using the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, showing concentration-dependent inhibition with an IC50 value of 25.07±4.00 µg/mL. Although the extract was less potent than ascorbic acid, it demonstrated substantial free radical scavenging activity and higher antioxidant capacity than previously reported leaf extracts of the same species. The observed antioxidant activity is likely attributable to the combined synergistic effects of the phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids present in the fruits. Overall, this study provides baseline scientific evidence supporting the nutritional safety and antioxidant potential of L. senegalensis fruits and highlights their promise as a natural source of nutraceutical compounds. Further studies focusing on toxicity evaluation, compound isolation, and mechanistic antioxidant pathways are recommended to fully establish their therapeutic applicability.
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