Phytochemical screening and evaluation of antioxidant properties of African locust bean marketed in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of African locust beans marketed in the Ibadan metropolis. The nutritional qualities of food consumed should be of great importance to consumers and the populace at large. Hence, there is a need for investigation into African locust beans sold in the Ibadan metropolis. Three markets each were investigated within the three local governments, and they are Muslim, Olomi, and Orita Challenge in Ibadan South East local government; Agbon, Academy, and Monatan in Lagelu local government;

 and Eleyele, Dugbe, and Oje in Ibadan North West local government. Fresh locust bean samples were obtained from these markets, labelled, and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Standard procedures were carried out to determine the antioxidant potentials and phytochemical screening of processed Parkia biglobosa sourced from the various markets. The result of the qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of some bioactive compounds, which are saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and anthraquinones, while tannins, steroids, and phenols are generally absent in the three local governments under investigation. The percentage scavenging of locust bean samples from Lagelu was the highest, ranging from 52.68 to 63.77%, followed by samples from Ibadan South East, with values ranging from 29.92 to 58.57%. The least scavenging percentage was observed in Ibadan North West, ranging from 30.50 to 37.48. The presence of these bioactive compounds and secondary metabolites suggests the potential ability of African locust beans to improve human health if included in diets.