Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents, and Preliminary Antioxidant, Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory and Antibacterial Activities of Fruits of Lapsi (Choerospondias axillaris Roxb.), an Underutilized Wild Fruit of Nepal

Choerospondias axillaris Roxb. (Anacardiaceae) is a deciduous tree, native to Nepal and the Himalayan region, that can reach a maximum height of 20 m. The study aimed to assess the total phenol, flavonoid, and carbohydrate content, and preliminary antioxidant potency, xanthine oxidase inhibition, and antibacterial properties of C. axillaris fruits extracts. Ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and water were used as extraction solvents. The quantitative analysis showed that the extracts had total polyphenols (68.28 & mu;g to 154.91 & mu;g gallic acid equivalent/mg extract), flavonoids (41.72 to 283.84 & mu;g quercetin equivalent/mg extract), and carbohydrates contents (67.26 & mu;g to 269.96 & mu;g glucose equivalent/mg extract). The acetone extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (IC50: 15.72 & mu;g/mL) and potent inhibition of xanthine oxidase (IC50: 20.80 & mu;g/mL) among the extracts. The acetone extract exhibited the strongest antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus with inhibition zones of 13.76 mm and 12.56 mm, respectively. It also had the lowest minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC: 0.78 mg/mL) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC: 0.52 mg/mL) against S. aureus. In conclusion, the C. axillaris fruit extracts showed potent antioxidant, xanthine oxidase inhibitory, and antibacterial activities, suggesting their potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Further research should focus on the identification of active compounds and in vivo analysis of pharmacological activities.

Automated summary

Choerospondias axillaris Roxb. is a deciduous tree native to Nepal and the Himalayan region. The study examined the phenol, flavonoid, and carbohydrate content, as well as the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of C. axillaris fruit extracts. The acetone extract showed the highest antioxidant activity and xanthine oxidase inhibition, as well as strong antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. The findings suggest that C. axillaris extracts have potential applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.