Title:
Superoxide Dismutase Content and Antioxidant Potential of Some Selected Locally Available Fruits in Bauchi Town, North-eastern Nigeria

Authors:
Misbahu Sambo*, Abdullahi Garba Jakwa and Ibrahim Hassan Garba, Nigeria

Abstract:

The evidences of the link between oxidative stress and diseases are becoming clearer, hence, the need for natural antioxidants against the numerous artificial ones to ensure safety and efficacy. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a natural enzymatic antioxidant which can be found in fruits. In this project, Watermelon(Citrulluslanatus), Mango(Mangiferaindica), Tomatoes (Solanumlycopersicum), Guava(Psidiumguajava) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) were screened for the presence of SOD and some phytochemicals using standard methods. The total antioxidant potential of the fruits was determined using 2, 2 - diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl method. The results of the SOD content determination shows that Guava has the highest SOD content (27.94 ± 0.45 U/ml), followed by Watermelon, Tomatoes, Mango and Pawpaw which have SOD content of 18.95± 0.09, 9.14 ± 0.05, 6.27 ± 0.11 and 4.8 ± 0.27 U/ml respectively. Phytochemical analysis reveals that all the fruits contain Flavonoids with Pawpaw having the highest Flavonoids content (37.88± 0.29 mg/100g). Saponins were found in Watermelon, Mango and Pawpaw. Tannins were found in Mango, Tomatoes and Pawpaw, while only Watermelon contains Anthraquinones. None of the fruits contains Alkaloids or Cardiac glycosides. The result of the antioxidant potential shows that Pawpaw has the highest antioxidant potential with an EC₅₀ of 170.00 ± 1.00 µg/ml, followed by Watermelon (270.00 ± 2.00 µg/ml), Mango (320.00 ±5.56 µg/ml), Tomatoes (510.00 ± 4.35 µg/ml) and Guava (620.00 ± 8.66 µg/ml) respectively. These results suggest that each fruit may exert pharmacological function associated with the phytochemicals it contains. The fruits, most especially Pawpaw and Watermelon could be used as general antioxidants. Most importantly, the results reveal that Guava and probably, Watermelon are good sources of SOD, and it is suggested that SOD be purified from them and enhanced for possible application in cosmetics, food and health sectors so as to ameliorate the effects of oxidative stress.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijmshr.2024.8301