LC-MS/MS and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts of Kigelia africana fruit

With a widespread distribution throughout Africa and a plethora of traditional uses, both medicinal and non-medical, Kigelia africana is a symbol of African herbal medicine.

The main aim of the study is to identified the phytoconstituents by FTIR and LCMS analysis and elaborate the antioxidant activity.

The extraction and fractionation processes were performed based on the polarity of the solvents. Additionally, FTIR and LCMS profiling were conducted using standard methods. The DPPH scavenging assay was employed to assess the antioxidant activity.

The Soxhlet extract and maceration extract were determined to have extractive values of 9% w/w and 8.4% respectively. The Total flavonoid content was found to be highest in the Soxhlet extraction, with a value of 6.4±0.173mg/QE of dry weight of extract. The presence of various functional groups in the extracts was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, indicating the presence of specific chemical bonds. Based on LCMS, thirty-eight compounds were identified in the maceration and soxhlet extraction. During the extraction process, it was observed that the Soxhlet process exhibited the highest antioxidant properties, with IC₅₀ values of 14.1582 mg/mL.

Based on the study’s findings, it can be said that Kigelia africana holds promise asa herb for a number of different medical conditions.