Phytochemical Constituents and in vitro Antioxidant Properties of the Root of Mallotus subulatus Mull. Arg (Euphorbiaceae)

Background and Objective: Mallotus subulatus is a tropical plant traditionally used in African medicine to treat various ailments, largely attributed to its phytochemical and antioxidant components. Despite its traditional applications, scientific validation of its phytochemical content and antioxidant potential remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of the methanolic root extract of Mallotus subulatus to support its ethnomedicinal use. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening was performed on methanolic root extracts to detect the presence of major secondary metabolites. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay and the phosphomolybdate method for total antioxidant capacity, with ascorbic acid as the standard. Extract concentrations tested included 62.5, 125.0, 250.0, 500.0, and 1000.0 μg/mL. Percentage inhibition and IC₅₀ values were calculated to determine antioxidant efficiency. Results: The extract tested positive for alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, anthocyanins, and soluble carbohydrates, but lacked saponins. The DPPH assay results showed concentration-dependent activity, with the highest inhibition (61.11±1.85%) at 1000.0 μg/mL and the lowest (16.67±1.85%) at 62.5 μg/mL. The extract exhibited moderate antioxidant potential compared to the ascorbic acid standard. Conclusion: The presence of multiple phytochemicals and notable antioxidant activity suggests that Mallotus subulatus root extract may serve as a natural source of antioxidants. Further studies are recommended to isolate active compounds and assess in vivo efficacy and toxicity.