Phenolic, Antioxidant Activity, and Derivatization-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Der-GC/MS) Profiling of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) Fruits

Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd) is increasingly recognized as a potent functional food due to its rich repository of secondary metabolites and associated health benefits. However, a comprehensive understanding of its complex phytochemical landscape is essential to unlock its full therapeutic and industrial potential. This study aimed to characterize the phenolic profiles and evaluate the antioxidant capacity of various bottle gourd fruit extracts using advanced analytical techniques. Phenolic constituents were extracted using acetone and quantified via the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while radical scavenging activity was determined through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays. Subsequently, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with a specialized derivatization method was employed to achieve a detailed profiling of both volatile and non-volatile bioactive metabolites. Total phenolic content across the investigated fruit fractions ranged significantly from 2.10 to 14.30 mg GAE/g extract, indicating a substantial concentration of bioactive compounds. Antioxidant evaluation IC50 values between 68.43 and 619.19 mg TE/g extract, demonstrating a high capacity for free radical inhibition. GC-MS analysis successfully identified an extensive array of metabolites, including various phthalates and terpenoid derivatives, which were effectively captured through the derivatization process. These findings highlight that the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic yields are strongly correlated with specific extraction durations and anatomical sections of the fruit. This study provides a comprehensive metabolic map of L. siceraria, underscoring its viability as a natural source of antioxidants for future applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development.