Quantitative Analysis of Antioxidant Constituents in Some Wild Plants of Kangchup Chingkhong, Senapati District Manipur, Northeast India

Abstract

The present study, conducted from March, 2024 to May, 2025, at the laboratory of the Institutional Biotech Hub, Lilong Haoreibi College, Lilong, Manipur, India, aimed to evaluate the antioxidant constituents of selected wild medicinal and edible plants collected from various localities of Senapati District, Manipur, Northeast India. Quantitative estimations of total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and ascorbic acid were performed using standard spectrophotometric methods. The findings revealed substantial variation in antioxidant compound levels among the 32 plant species analysed.Total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 6.33–95.24 mg g^-1, with the highest values observed in Wendlandia grandis flower (95.24 mg g^-1) and Clerodendrum serratum flower (90.24 mg g^-1). Total flavonoid content (TFC) varied from 0.88–12.76 mg g^-1, peaking in Leucaena leucocephala seed (12.76 mg g^-1) and pulp (11.36 mg g^-1). Total tannin content (TTC) ranged between 0.18–13.98 mg g^-1, with C. serratum flower (13.98 mg g^-1) and Brachycorythis obcordata leaves (10.34 mg g^-1) being the richest sources. Ascorbic acid levels were relatively low, ranging from 1.21 to 2.80 mg g^-1, with the highest concentration recorded in Maranta arundinaceae (2.80 mg g^-1). Overall, flowers, leaves, and seeds exhibited superior antioxidant profiles, particularly in W. grandis, C. serratum, L. leucocephala, and B. obcordata. These findings highlighted the phytochemical diversity of the wild flora of Senapati District and supported their traditional medicinal use. The results also emphasized the potential of several species as promising candidates for natural antioxidant formulations, nutraceuticals, and phytopharmaceutical development.