Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties and Antihyperlipidemic Activity ofPhytochemicals in Luffa acutangula Leaves

Background: Hyperlipidaemia, characterized by elevated triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood, is linked to premature aging and degenerative diseases, often driven by free radicals. Antioxidants can help address these issues by neutralizing free radicals. Luffa acutangula leaves are known for their antioxidant properties due to their content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Objective: This study aimed to extract, fractionate, and analyze the phytochemical composition of Luffa acutangula leaves and to evaluate their antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activities across different fractions: ethyl acetate, chloroform, hexane, and methanol. Methods: The extraction was performed using 96% methanol and liquid-liquid fractionation with solvents n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and methanol. Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity assessments were conducted on the methanolic extract, with LC-MS/MS analysis revealing various phytoconstituents. Antioxidant activity was measured using standard methods, along with enzyme inhibition assays. Results: Methanol extraction yielded 19.73% of the extract, with the methanol fraction providing the highest dried extract (41.64%), followed by the ethyl acetate fraction at 14.09%. The methanolic extract contained flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and other phytoconstituents. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the lowest IC50 value (22.04, 115.2, and 69.74) for DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP, respectively, demonstrating the strongest antioxidant potential. The ethyl acetate fraction displayed maximum antihyperlipidemic potential (IC50-17.85 for HMG-CoA reductase). Each fraction exhibited varying yields and secondary metabolites, with the ethyl acetate fraction showing the most significant antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects. Conclusion: This study provided comprehensive information regarding the extraction, fractionation, and phytochemical composition of Luffa acutangula leaves, noting that the ethyl acetate fraction possesses significant antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic potential.