Assessment of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Peaks and Free Radical Scavenging Activities of Chloroform Fractions of Andrographis Paniculata Using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl

Student: Emmanuel Eguvwe (Project, 2025)
Department of Medical Biochemistry
Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State


Abstract

Andrographis paniculata is a very rich source of phytoconstituents with therapeutic properties. This study aimed to determine the Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) peaks and the free radical scavenging activities of chloroform using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Using GC-MS analysis, twenty two bioactive compounds were identified with Eicosane(13.58%), Hexadecane(10.93%), and Octadecane, 2-methyl (10.75%)  being the most abundant in the chloroform extract. The free radical scavenging activities were assessed using DPPH assay, with ascorbic acid as the solution. Ascorbic acid demonstrated a more consistent and potent DPPH radical scavenging activity than the chloroform fraction, though both showed increased variability at lower concentrations. Ascorbic acid also had a significantly lower IC50 than that of chloroform, indicating its higher potency as an antioxidant. Further research, including in vivo studies and clinical trials, is recommended to confirm these findings and fully explore the therapeutic potential of this plant.

Keywords
GC-MS Andrographis paniculata DPPH antioxidant chloroform ascorbic free radical extract fraction peak