ANTIOXIDANT AND PHYTOCHEMICAL DYNAMICS IN EREMOMASTAX POLYSPERMA LEAF EXTRACTS: A SEASONAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Eremomastax polysperma is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional remedies among the Efik/Ibibio communities in southeastern Nigeria. This study investigated the seasonal variations in phytochemical composition, antioxidant content, and physicochemical properties of its leaf and aqueous leaf extract to validate its ethnomedicinal use and identify the optimal harvest season. Standard analytical methods were employed. Results revealed notable seasonal differences in chemical constituents. Alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins were more abundant during the wet season, while tannins and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) peaked in the dry season. Vitamin C content was higher in the wet season, whereas vitamin A was more concentrated in the dry season. Physicochemical parameters also varied; pH, titratable acidity, alkalinity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and nitrates were higher in the wet season, while temperature, conductivity, suspended solids, dissolved oxygen (DO), total hardness, sulphate, and chloride were elevated during the dry season. These findings suggest that seasonal changes significantly influence the chemical profile of E. polysperma, and strategic harvesting based on desired bioactive constituents may enhance its therapeutic efficacy.