Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity evaluation of Jatropha tanjorensis root extracts: a comparative study of different solvent systems

Medicinal plants continue to serve as valuable sources of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. Jatropha tanjorensis Ellis & Saroja, a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, has been traditionally used in folk medicine for treating various ailments, yet its phytochemical profile and antioxidant properties remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of J. tanjorensis root extracts obtained using different solvent systems to establish a scientific basis for its traditional medicinal applications. Root samples were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using three solvents of varying polarities: acetone, ethanol, and n-hexane. Comprehensive phytochemical screening was conducted following established protocols to identify major secondary metabolite classes. Antioxidant activities were assessed using multiple complementary assays including DPPH radical scavenging, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assays. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the widespread presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids. phenols, quinones, and proteins across all extracts, while steroids were exclusively detected in the ethanolic extract. Glycosides were absent in all extracts tested. Quantitative antioxidant analysis demonstrated that the acetone extract exhibited superior performance with the highest TPC (333.80-369.39 mg GAE/g) and TFC (192.68-193.13 mg QE/g) values. DPPH radical scavenging activities ranged from 44.76-48.52% across all extracts, with ethanolic extract showing the highest activity (46.27-48.52%). NO scavenging activities showed similar patterns (44.76-48.52%). J. tanjorensis root extracts, particularly those obtained with polar solvents (acetone and ethanol), demonstrate significant antioxidant potential attributable to their rich phenolic and flavonoid content. These findings provide scientific validation for the traditional use of this plant and highlight its potential applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.