Phytochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Anti-oxidant Activity of <i>Ipomoea obscura</i> (L.)

Abstract

Background: Dietary botanicals, including food additives, fruits, and vegetables, have been used for centuries as natural health remedies, but scientific evidence on their preventive properties remains limited. These dietary plants are a significant source of many natural antioxidants. Natural herbal medicines have no side effects on human health so these herbal medicines can be a safe alternative to harmful allopathic medicines. Aim: In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant potential of Ipomoea obscura leaf extract and profiled the bioactive compounds of the leaf extract. Methods: UV-visible spectroscopy, DPPH analysis, and LC-MS analysis. Results: UV-visible analysis of water, ethanol, and methanol extracts of I. obscura showed maximum absorption at 310.0 nm, 413 nm, and 337 nm. Results of DPPH analysis showed that the aqueous extract (53.80 ± 1.45, R2 = 0.92) has the maximum antioxidant potential compared to the ethanol and methanol extracts. Phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract of I. obscura revealed several phytochemicals including alkaloids, carbohydrates, phenols, proteins, and saponins. LC-MS data confirmed the presence of 12 bioactive compounds in the aqueous extract of I. obscura leaves. Conclusion: The study reveals that the aqueous extract of I. obscura exhibits high antioxidant potential compared to ethanolic and methanolic extracts and has active secondary metabolites.