Evaluation of the phytochemical, nutritional, elemental composition and antioxidant profile of the ethanolic extract of Alternanthera paronychioides (Smooth Joy Weed)

This study evaluated the phytochemical, nutritional, elemental composition and the antioxidant capacity of the ethanolic extract of Alternanthera paronychioides (EEAP). Phytochemical screening of EEAP identified the presence of tannins, saponins, glycosides, phenols, terpenoids, and saponin glycosides. The nutritional analysis indicated the presence of significant macronutrients, including crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and ash content. Additionally, the plant contained notable elements of about seventy-two such as Iron(5.046±3.418mg/L), Zinc (Zn) (0.165±0.130mg/L), Antimony (Sb) (0.0196±0.005mg/L), Tin (Sn) (0.038 ± 0.029mg/L), Chromium (Cr) (0.041 ± 0.000mg/L), and Manganese (Mn) (0.195 ± 0.055mg/L) among others. GC-MS analysis further confirmed the presence of about thirty-four bioactive compounds such as linoleic acid, methyl stearate, phytol and several others. The total flavonoids and phenolic content of the extract were quantified as 0.983 ± 0.002g/ml and 1.869 ± 0.011 mg GAE/ml respectively indicating a high concentration of bioactive compounds. DDPH scavenging antioxidant assay shows that EEAP demonstrated potent inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 0.185± 0.005µM. In traditional medicine, Alternanthera paronychioides is used for treating conditions such as hyperuricemia, gout, rheumatic arthritis, nephritis, cystitis, uremia, diabetes, and systemic neuralgia. These findings support its potential therapeutic effects and highlight its nutritional and antioxidant properties, making it a promising candidate for future health applications.