Chemical Profiling of Mangifera indica Leaf and Mucuna pruriens Seed Extracts: A Phytochemical and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Based Study

Background

Medicinal plants remain an essential source of therapeutic agents due to their abundant phytochemicals and pharmacological attributes. Mangifera indica (mango) leaves and Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) seeds are renowned in traditional medicine for their antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Scientific validation of their bioactive compounds is vital to support their medicinal uses.

Aim and Objectives

This study aimed to authenticate, extract, and chemically profile M. indica leaves and M. pruriens seeds, as well as to evaluate their antioxidant potential. The specific objectives were: (i) Authentication of plant material, (ii) Extraction of phytoconstituents, (iii) Preliminary phytochemical screening, (iv) Assessment of antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay, and (v) Identification of bioactive compounds through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

Materials and Methods

Authenticated plant materials were subjected to Soxhlet extraction with ethanol. Preliminary phytochemical tests were performed to identify major classes of secondary metabolites. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Chemical constituents were identified through GC-MS analysis.

Results

Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, saponins, and terpenoids in both extracts. The DPPH assay showed significant radical scavenging activity, which increased with concentration. GC-MS profiling identified various bioactive compounds, including notable ones in Mangifera indica leaf extract such as Thymol, Methylcarbamate derivative of 3-methyl-5-isopropylphenol methylcarbamate, 2-methyl-5-isopropylphenol, alpha-farnesene with (Z,Z) stereochemistry, beta-farnesene with (E) configuration, -cis-β-Farnesene, 6-Methyl-2-methylene-6-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl)bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane (1R,5R,6S)-isomer, (1R,5R)-2-Methyl-5-[(R)-6-methylhept-5-en-2-yl]bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ene, and Oxalic acid, allyl hexadecyl ester. The extract from Mucuna pruriens seeds contained significant components such as 1) ethyl undecanoate, 2) ethyl decanoate, 3) methyl 2-methyloctanoate, 4) ethyl 10-bromodecanoate, and 5) 2-ethylheptanoic. Free fatty acids, including decanoic and undecanoic acids, are known for their antifungal, antibacterial, and anticonvulsant properties.

Discussion

The present findings corroborate the traditional uses of Mangifera indica and Mucuna pruriens as natural sources of bioactive antioxidants. The phytochemical diversity, along with the statistically significant antioxidant activity demonstrated in the DPPH assay, provides a strong basis for their continued investigation as therapeutic agents.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the phytochemical diversity and strong antioxidant potential of Mangifera indica leaves and Mucuna pruriens seeds. These results validate their traditional use and provide a scientific basis for further pharmacological and therapeutic research.