Original Research

Phytochemical screening and antioxidant evaluation of Agave angustifolia and Agave sisalana

Ntombikayise G. Mkhize, Matthew C. Achilonu, Idah T. Manduna, Xolile V. Ngubane, S'busiso M. Nkosi
Journal of Medicinal Plants for Economic Development | Vol 8, No 1 | a263 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jomped.v8i1.263 | © 2024 Ntombikayise G. Mkhize, Matthew C. Achilonu, Idah T. Manduna, Xolile V. Ngubane, S’busiso M. Nkosi | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 13 May 2024 | Published: 22 October 2024

About the author(s)

Ntombikayise G. Mkhize, Technology Station in Chemicals, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; and, Life Sciences: Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology (CAFSaB), Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa, South Africa
Matthew C. Achilonu, Technology Station in Chemicals, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
Idah T. Manduna, Life Sciences: Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology (CAFSaB), Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa
Xolile V. Ngubane, Technology Station in Chemicals, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
S'busiso M. Nkosi, Technology Station in Chemicals, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Agave angustifolia (AA) and Agave sisalana (AS) are used by local communities for medicinal purposes to treat skin conditions. Small companies add Agave leaf extracts to their cosmetic products, claiming calming and skin-rejuvenating qualities.

Aim: The study aimed to assess the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities of AA and AS verifying the traditional therapeutic claims about the species and accordingly establishing the assertions of cottage industries.

Setting: The AA leaves were collected from the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, while AS leaves were sourced from the iLembe district municipality.

Methods: The phytochemical extracts were obtained by gradient solvent maceration of the leaves. Qualitative phytochemical screening established the presence of bioactive phytochemicals in the extract. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and the ferric reducing and/or antioxidant power (FRAP) methods measured the bioactive phytochemicals’ antioxidant activity.

Results: Qualitative phytochemical evaluation confirmed the presence of secondary metabolites in both plants. AS extracts also contained alkaloids. The DPPH antioxidant activity indicated that Agave extracts had 20% to 80% scavenging activity. AS methanol extract had the maximum antioxidant activity among all the extracts. AA methanol and AS hexane extracts had no antioxidant activity. AA ethyl acetate extract had higher antioxidant activity (64%) than AS (52%). AA hexane extract had 70% activity while AS hexane extract had 30%.

Conclusion: The detected phytochemicals indicate potential use for emulsifying, antioxidant, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities.

Contribution: This study contributes to the existing knowledge of the therapeutic properties of AA and AS plants.


Keywords

Agave; angustifolia; sisalana; bioactive phytochemicals; therapeutic value; bioactivity; cosmetics

JEL Codes

L66: Food • Beverages • Cosmetics • Tobacco • Wine and Spirits

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 15: Life on land

Metrics

Total abstract views: 150
Total article views: 146


Crossref Citations

No related citations found.