Further insight on the potential of Gnetum gnemon seed, roots of Eurycoma longifolia, Morinda citrifolia leaves, Glycine max nut and Citrus hystrix leaves as medicinal herbs with high antioxidant properties

Abstract

The antioxidant, total phenolic, and flavonoid contents of Gnetum gnemon, Eurycoma longifolia, Morinda citrifolia, Glycine max, and Citrus hystrix were investigated and measured. Antioxidant scavenging activity was estimated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined via the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while antioxidant capacity was assessed using the malondialdehyde (MDA) assay. The results from the FRAP and MDA tests revealed that C. hystrix exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, indicating its potential as a source of natural antioxidants. Notably, the antioxidant activity of all samples displayed distinct characteristics. In the DPPH and TPC tests, G. gnemon showed the highest activity compared to the other samples. However, C. hystrix demonstrated strong antioxidant potential in both tests, ranking third in the DPPH and second in the TPC assay. In conclusion, Citrus hystrix was identified as the most effective sample, exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity. These findings suggest that certain medicinal herbs may serve as valuable sources of natural antioxidants.