EVALUATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF BASELLA ALBA

Medicinal plants are nature’s invaluable resources, offering a rich source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. Basella alba, commonly consumed as a leafy vegetable in tropical and subtropical regions, was investigated in this study for its antioxidant properties. The objective was to evaluate the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts from the leaves and stems of Basella alba, thereby validating its medicinal value. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, fixed oils, fats, and terpenoids in both extracts. Antioxidant activity assessed through DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays demonstrated a concentration-dependent response, with the methanolic extract showing significant activity, though slightly lower than standard antioxidants (ascorbic acid and BHT). These findings highlight the potential of Basella alba as a natural source of antioxidants and support its traditional use in herbal medicine.