Assessment of Bioactive Properties and Nutritional Value of Imperata Cylindrica Rhizome Extract
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Abstract
This study evaluated the bioactive properties and nutritional composition of Imperata cylindrica rhizome extracts with a view to assessing its potential as a natural food preservative. Rhizomes were cleaned, dried, pulverized, and extracted using petroleum ether, acetone, methanol, and distilled water via Soxhlet extraction. Proximate and mineral compositions were determined using standard AOAC methods, while phytochemical constituents were quantified using established procedures. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, and antimicrobial activity was evaluated using agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) techniques. Results showed that aqueous (46.34 %) and methanolic (26.26 %) extracts yielded the highest extraction efficiencies. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, phenols, alkaloids, saponins, and oxalates, with higher concentrations observed in acetone and methanol extracts. Methanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, while aqueous extract demonstrated strong antibacterial effects. All extracts showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity against the tested organisms. The findings indicate that Imperata cylindrica rhizome possesses significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and could serve as a potential source of natural food preservatives.
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