Phytochemical contents, In vitro free radical scavenging activity and FTIR spectroscopic analysis of methanol extracts and subfractions of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit pulp

Balanite aegyptiaca is a plant widely used by traditional healers in rurals areas of many countries. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents, in vitro antioxidant activity and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopic analyis of methanol extract and subfractions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate and chloroform) of Balanite aegyptiaca fruit pulp. The extract and fractions of the plant’s fruit pulp were tested for free radical scavenging properties, phytochemical contents and FTIR spectroscopy using standard, established techniques. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols in the methanol extract and all the fractions. Alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins were present in the extract and all fractions except n-hexane fraction. Saponins were only detected in the methanol extract while terpenoids were detected in all but ethyl acetate fraction. The total phenolics and flavonoids in all the fractions were significantly lower (p< 0.05) when compared to methanol extracts. All the fractions and extracts exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity via the DPPH model. The FTIR results confirmed the presence of amine, alkane, alkene, alcohol, carboxylic acid, esters, phenol, alkyl ether and anhydride functional group across the extract and fractions. The current study offers proof that various fraction of the fruit pulp of B. aegyptiaca can help treat a number of oxidative stress related ailments that are still troublesome and to further isolate the plant&#39;s bioactive chemicals that may be beneficial for the creation of new medications.