Phytochemical Screening, HPTLC, GC-MS and <i>In Vitro</i> Antioxidant Analyses of Ethanol Extract of <i>Strychnos potatorum</i> Seeds

Introduction: Oxidative stress is a key factor in the development of chronic diseases, and plant products with well-established antioxidant properties have been investigated to counteract this phenomenon. Strychnos potatorum seeds are used to treat various ailments, including jaundice and diabetes. Moreover, they are used for water purification because of their coagulant properties. Aim: To explore the phytochemical constituents of the ethanol seed extract of S. potatorum and evaluate its in vitro antioxidant activity and in silico physicochemical characterisation. Methods: This research examined the phytochemical profile, antioxidant properties, HPTLC, and in silico characterisation of bioactive compounds identified by GC-MS analysis of the ethanol seed extract of Strychnos potatorum (EESP). Results: Phytochemical analyses identified the presence of triterpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, and saponins. In vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated that EESP exhibited concentration-dependent free radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 70.04 µg/ mL (DPPH), 83.05 µg/mL (ABTS), 116.27 µg/mL (FRAP), and 87.47 µg/mL (hydrogen peroxide), compared to ascorbic acid. SwissADME in silico analysis showed that 16 of the 17 compounds identified in the GC-MS analysis complied with Lipinski’s rule, suggesting drug-like properties and favourable bioavailability. Conclusion: These findings suggest that EESP may effectively mitigate diseases associated with oxidative stress and represent a potential candidate for the development of novel therapeutic agents. Further clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy of EESP-derived compounds in human subjects, which are crucial for translating these findings into therapeutic applications. Major Findings: Strychnos potatorum seed extract shows rich phytochemical content and free radical scavenging activity comparable to ascorbic acid. In silico analysis shows 16 of 17 bioactive compounds follow Lipinski’s rule, indicating good bioavailability.