Phytochemical characterization, minerals and antioxidant properties of leaf extract of Piper guineenses schum thonn (piperaceae) obtained from Owerri environs

Piper guineense Schum Thonn (Piperaceae) is a common medicinal plant employed for its numerous values which has drawn a lot of attention and a lot of research is still ongoing about the usefulness of the plant. The phytochemical screening of the leaf extract revealed the presence of tannins. saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids and phenols, determination of some the phytochemicals indicated that the extract contains tannins 12.50 mg/100 g, saponins, 30.60 mg/100 g ,alkaloids, 0.30 mg/100 g and flavonoids, 36.90 mg/100 g. Mineral determination revealed the presence of important minerals such as Phosphorus 0. 35%,  Calcium 1.07%, Magnesium 0. 46%, Potassium, 2.60%, Sodium 82.52 ppm, Manganese 300.74 ppm, Iron 315. 99 ppm , Zinc 25. 20 ppm, and Copper 7. 72 ppm. GC/MS analysis gave 34 compounds with their molecular formulas, weights and structures. The antioxidant activities were measured by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazl hydrate (DPPH) assay methods. The extract had 84.303% scavenging activity at concentrations of 100 mg/ml as against that of butylated hydroxytoulene 84.303% at concentration of 80 mg/ml. Similarly, it showed a 91. 495% inhibition of free radical at concentrations of 80 mg/ml as against 99.640% by gallic acid at same concentration. Quantification of antioxidant activity of the extracts showed a dose dependent antioxidant activity comparing favorably with those of standard antioxidant. The extract is a strong antioxidant and free radical scavenger and could be used as a natural antioxidant in processes requiring natural antioxidant.