Differential Solvent Extraction on The Antioxidant Properties, and Phytochemical Compounds of Monodora myristica

Abstract

Biochemical investigations were carried out to reveal the solvent differential as it affects the antioxidant properties and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of Monodora myristica. The M. myristica seeds were sun-dried for two weeks to obtain constant weight and then crushed into fine particles using electric blender. Extraction was done using water (60 ⁰C), ethanol and diethyl ether.  Biochemical analyses were carried out using standard methods. The results of the phytochemical screening of M. myristica crude sample indicate the presence of saponin (4.25 %), tannin (0.53 %), alkaloid (3.82 %), flavonoid (3.47 %).  The total phenolic content, ascorbate oxidase and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of M. myristica extracts were as follows; M. myristica diethyl ether extract (MDEE) > M. myristica ethanol extract (MEE) > M. myristica water extract (MWE). The gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis showed the presence of twelve compounds in MDEE, eight compounds from MEE and six compounds were obtained from MWE.  It could be concluded that M. myristica   seeds possess antioxidant properties and contains various phytochemical compounds. This may confirm the traditional uses of M. myristica seeds as an antioxidant of nutritional significance.