EVALUATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF LEAF EXTRACT OF ANNONA SQUAMOSA AND OCIMUM SANCTUM

Abstract

Present study was a comparative analysis of the morphological, microscopic, physiochemical, and phytochemical characteristics of the leaves of Annona squamosa and Ocimum sanctum, alongside their antioxidant potential. Morphologically, A. squamosa and O. sanctum leaves were studied. Microscopic examination revealed anisocytic stomata and raphide-type calcium oxalate crystals in A. squamosa, whereas O. sanctum showed diacytic stomata, rosette-type crystals, and abundant essential oil glands. Physiochemical screening indicated moderate moisture content and ash values, with O. sanctum showing higher water-soluble ash and foaming index. Extractive yield was greater in O. sanctum (16.27%) compared to A. squamosa (13.28%). Quantitative estimation revealed significantly higher total flavonoid (43.23 mg/100 mg quercetin) and phenol content (26.43 mg/100 mg gallic acid) in A. squamosa than in O. sanctum. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, phytosterols, saponins, tannins,  and  flavonoids  in  both  species,  with  proteins  absent.  Antioxidant  assays  using  DPPH  and  ABTS  methods  demonstrated  dose-dependent  radical  scavenging  activity.  O.  sanctum  exhibited  superior  antioxidant  efficacy  with  lower  IC₅₀  values  (<  200  µg/ml)  compared  to  A.  squamosa  (<  300  µg/ml),  indicating  its  potential  as  a  natural  antioxidant  source.  These  findings  support  the  therapeutic  relevance  of  both  plants  and  provide  a  foundation  for  further  pharmacological  exploration.