Phytochemical profiling and spectral characterization of natural antioxidants in Zea mays Leaves: A spectroscopic evaluation of flavonoids and phenolic compounds

The body uses external antioxidants to neutralize free radicals, which damage the biomolecules in prolonged oxidative stress. Zea mays leaves have antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to screen Zea mays leaves extract phytochemically for alkaloids, phenols, and flavonoids. To analyze using various spectral techniques to evaluate the plant's potential as a natural antioxidant source. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract of Zea mays was conducted using standard tests. Spectral analysis was performed using UV-Visible spectroscopy, HPLC, HPTLC, FTIR, and GC-MS techniques. Qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of phenolics and flavonoids, while alkaloids were absent. The UV-Visible absorption spectrum showed two prominent peaks. In HPLC analysis, three distinct peaks were observed. HPTLC showed the presence of eight phenolic compounds and two flavonoids, with no alkaloids. GC-MS (seven compounds) and FTIR analysis showed the presence of polyphenolic and flavonoid structures.