Evaluation of Antioxidant Acitivity of Eisenia Fetida

Abstract

Antioxidant assay was performed to count the total phenolic content in coelomic fluid of Eisenia fetida. The worms were cultured in lab until they became sexually mature. The study focused on total phenolic compound determination using two solvents in a single species of earthworm. It was analysed that the extraction of phenolic compound with 85% ethanol yielded high phenol content, 208.6 mg GAE\L Eisenia fetida. Extraction with 85% methanol on the other hand, yielded 189.1 mg GAE\L. Eisenia fetida ethanolic extract in the sample manifested high total phenolic content than methanolic extract. Phenols are more readily soluble in ethanol and safe for human consumption. Methanol is used as solvent for low molecular weight polyphenols. The study concludes that ethanol extract of Eisenia fetida coelomic fluid contains significant amount of phenols. Phenols have an antioxidant effect and can be used as natural antioxidants for curing ailments related with inflammation and oxidative stress. This study will help in bringing attention towards the therapeutic utility of earthworms.

Effect of earthworm and papain enzyme concentration on antioxidant activity of earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) protein hydrolysate

“…According to Samatra et al ( 2017), phenol has antioxidant effects and can be used as a natural antioxidant to cure diseases related to inflammation and oxidative stress. The phenol in earthworm hydrolysate can come from plants consumed by earthworms that enter their digestive system (Deswal et al, 2020).…”

“…The results show that the higher the concentration of papain enzyme added in the hydrolysate-making process, the higher the total phenol content produced by earthworm hydrolysate. This is because phenol compounds are closely related to peptide bonds and amino acids, so increasing the enzyme concentration may increase the availability of enzyme molecules to break down proteins into smaller peptide units (Deswal et al, 2020). A previous study by Samatra et al (2017), showed that earthworm phenolic acid compounds can neutralize ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) reactions caused by infection from Salmonella typhi.…”

“…Antioxidants found in earthworms are of great interest as protective substances to help the human body reduce oxidative damage without side effects (Mustafa et al, 2022). The antioxidant properties of earthworm extract can be caused by phenolic compounds essential in neutralizing free radicals (Deswal et al, 2020). Earthworm extract has a phenolic compound content of 247.3 mg/L with an antioxidant activity of 38.26% dissolved in 80% ethanol (Aldarraji et al, 2013).…”