GC-MS Analysis, Quantitative Phytochemical Profile and In vitro Antioxidant Studies of the Stem Bark of Dennettia tripetala

Plants have played a significant role in preventing degenerative diseases and maintaining good health. Dennettia tripetala is used for the treatment of pains and inflammations, as an antimicrobial agent, relief of respiratory disorders and for the treatment of fever. This study aims to evaluate the chemical profile and antioxidant properties of the methanol extract of the stem bark of Dennettia tripetala. The stem bark was collected, air-dried, and extracted with 70% methanol. Quantitative phytochemical screening of the methanol extract was performed to determine the concentrations of tannins, phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and terpenoids using in vitro techniques and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activity of the extract and fractions was evaluated using ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assays and determination of total phenolic content. The IC50 values were determined using GraphPad Prism 9. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds including phenol, eugenol, caryophyllene, naphthalene, trimethyl arsenate, and other phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The methanol extract and its fractions demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, with high concentrations of phenolics and flavonoids contributing to their potency. The FRAP, DPPH, and NO scavenging assays confirmed the extract's ability to neutralize free radicals. The study concludes that the stem bark of D. tripetala possesses substantial antioxidant properties, which supports its traditional use in managing oxidative stress-related ailments.