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Influence of seasonal variation on phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity of Warburgia. salutaris (pepper-bark)
Phiwinhlanhla Msibi, V.S. Vilane, P. Carmichael University of Eswatini, Department of Chemistry E-mail: msibiphiwinhlanhla@gmail.com
The synthesis, accumulation and storage of secondary metabolites in plants has been attributed to a number of abiotic factors including environmental conditions (rainfall patterns, light intensity, humidity etc). This study explored the influence of seasonal variation on the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activity of Warburgia. salutaris (pepper-bark), a traditional medicinal plant famously known for its therapeutic properties against malaria, respiratory ailments and its antibacterial activity. Stem-bark samples were collected across the four seasons at University of Eswatini (OECMs) farm located in Mafutseni (Eswatini). The analysis of phytoconstituents was done using TLC Fingerprinting as well as by determination the total flavonoid and phenolic content of the sample extracts using group tests. The antioxidant activity of extracts was evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay. The results recorded generally more phytochemicals and higher antioxidant activity in samples that were collected in autumn in comparison to the other seasons. These findings further suggest that different seasons play a significant role in the synthesis and accumulation of
phytochemicals and the antioxidant activity exhibited by the pepper-bark plant. Key words: Medicinal plant, pepper-bark, abiotic, phytoconstituents, antioxidant activity References
1. Dludlu, M. N., Dlamini, P. S., Sibandze, G. F., Vilane, V. S., & Dlamini, C. S. (2017). Distribution and conservation status of the Endangered pepperbark tree Warburgia salutaris (Canellaceae) in Swaziland. Oryx, 51 (3), 451–454. https://doi.org/10.1017/ S0030605316000302 2. Humbal, A., & Pathak, B. (2023). Influence of exogenous elicitors on the production of secondary metabolite in plants: A review (‘ “VSI: secondary metabolites”’). Plant Stress, 8 (April), 100166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stress.2023.100166
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