Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Potential of Methanolic Extracts from Seed Kernel, Seed Coat, and Seed Husk of Jatropha curcas

Background: Jatropha curcas is a medicinally important plant possessing diverse bioactive compounds that contribute to its antioxidant and therapeutic properties. Aim: To evaluate and compare the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts of the seed kernel, seed coat, and seed husk of J. curcas. Methods: Methanolic extracts were prepared using Soxhlet extraction. Total phenolic content was estimated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, total flavonoid content by the aluminium chloride colorimetric method, and antioxidant activity by the DPPH free radical scavenging assay using UV-Visible spectrophotometry. Results: The seed kernel showed the highest total phenolic content (9.32 ± 0.21 % w/w) and total flavonoid content (1.2 ± 0.02 % w/w). It also exhibited the lowest IC50 value in the DPPH assay, indicating superior antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity followed the order: Seed kernel > Seed coat > Seed husk. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a positive correlation between phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity, highlighting the seed kernel of J. curcas as a potent natural source of antioxidants with potential pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Major Findings: All extracts exhibited concentration-dependent DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The antioxidant activity followed the order: Seed kernel > Seed coat > Seed husk.