Phytochemical Screening, In vitro Antioxidant Activities and Zebrafish Embryotoxicity of Abelmoschus esculentus Extracts

Abstract

aphrodisiac purposes. 10 In addition, A. esculentus also possesses powerful pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and anti-fatigue effects. 7,8 A. esculentus is primarily made up of water, carbohydrates, and proteins, only with a trace of fat and a moderate amount of dietary fibre. A. esculentus also contains potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, vitamins, folic acid, as well as iron, zinc and unsaturated fatty acids such as linolenic and oleic acids. 6,8,11,12 The phytochemical components in various segments of the A. esculentus plant are available in varying concentrations. According to previous study, the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in A. esculentus is responsible to have significant health benefits besides its biological activity. 5 The preliminary phytochemical screening also shows the existence of carbohydrates, gums and mucilages, proteins, phytosterols, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds. 5,13 A. esculentus is known for its higher antioxidant properties due to the presence of a significant amount of phenolic compounds. 5,14,15 According to a previous study, the phenolic and flavonoid content varies greatly across multiple A. esculentus cultivars gathered in Greece. The cultivars probably impact the antioxidant activity of those A. esculentus. 16 Besides, significant differences in phenolic compounds, antioxidant activities, and