Bulletins of Natural and Applied Sciences
Vol. 3(1):65-70
Exploring the Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Methanol Stem Bark Extract of Acacia polyacantha (Farar Kaya)
Basira Rabiu Idris1, Aliyu Abdullahi Turaki2, Ufuoma B. Shemishere2, Shamsudeen Aliyu2, Jamilu Danjuma Bala2 1 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Postgraduate Studies, Federal University Birnin Ke
ABSTRACT
Oxidative stress, driven by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endogenous antioxidants, is a key pathological driver in numerous chronic diseases. While synthetic antioxidants exist, growing concerns over their potential toxicity and side effects have shifted global interest towards natural, plant-derived alternatives. This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant potential of the methanol stem bark extract of Acacia polyacantha (Farar Kaya). A multi-assay approach was employed to comprehensively evaluate its free radical scavenging capacity, ferric ion reduction capacity, and intrinsic vitamin content. The extract demonstrated a potent and dose-dependent ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, indicating strong electron-donating capabilities, with no statistical significant difference (p > 0.05) compared with the standard at the tested concentrations of 25–200 µg/mL. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay also revealed a concentration-dependent efficacy with no statistically significant difference between the extract and the standard. Quantitative analysis revealed remarkably high concentrations of key antioxidant vitamins, including vitamin A (0.19 ± 0.11 mg/g), vitamin C (32.41 ± 2.12 mg/g), and vitamin E (0.46 ± 0.01 mg/g). These findings collectively suggest that A. polyacantha stem bark is a rich source ofantioxidants, functioning through direct radical neutralization, metal ion reduction, and the provision of essential micronutrients.
