Integrated Phytochemical Screening and Quantitative Antioxidant Evaluation (FRAP) of Garcinia Mangostana Pericarp Extracts: Unveiling Bioactive Constituents and Their Reducing Potential

Introduction: Garcinia mangostana or mangosteen was traditionally used to treat various ailments especially gastrointestinal issues. This suggests the plant material contain high number of phytochemicals and potential natural antioxidant source. Garcinia mangostana, commonly known as mangosteen, is a tropical evergreen tree belonging to the family Clusiaceae, Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (dicotyledon), Autotrophic in nature with a hight of 25 meter. The fruit is best eaten fresh, because processing tends to ruin the flavour. It is sometimes eaten with sherbet or ice cream. Some Chinese like to eat the fruits, because they believe mangosteen has a cooling effect. Xanthones, including α-mangostin and γ-mangostin, have been extensively studied for their biological activity which includes anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. Objectives: The research aimed to investigate the phytochemicals existing in the pericarp of G. mangostana and to evaluate its antioxidant activity. Methodology: Phytochemical screening was done including qualitative test for alkaloid, flavonoids, saponin and tannin. Characterization of the functional groups existing in plant extract was found using FT-IR spectral analysis. Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay was used to evaluate its antioxidant capacity. This low-cost, basic, dependable approach produces consistent outcomes even without specific gear. Significantly, the FRAP test measures the overall reduction capability of antioxidants, so providing a more complete view of antioxidant capacity than methods as DPPH and ABTS that concentrate on particular radical scavenging. Its biologically relevance also arises from its capacity to replicate deteriorating conditions in biological systems, thereby enabling a more accurate portrayal of the antioxidant activity of in-vivo. These properties characterize FRAP as the recommended technique for thorough and consistent assessment of antioxidants. Result and Conclusion: Majority of the constituents are alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin and tannin were confirmed. FTIR analysis revealed presence of hydroxyl, aromatic, aliphatic, and carbonyl-related functional groups. The antioxidant capacity was measured as 1.09 g AAE per gram of the extract. G. mangostana pericarp was confirmed to be a rich source of phytochemicals and antioxidants.