Chemistry and antioxidant potential of phytoconstituents from Aegle marmelos fruit-shell

Background: Oxidative stress is among the main causes of metabolic disorders. Hence, there is need to discover potent antioxidants for therapeutic applications.

Objective: The objective of this study has been to investigate the phytoconstituents of the methanolic extract of hard shell of Aegle marmelos fruit and their antioxidant potential.

Methods: Methanolic extract was fractionated using different solvents by liquid-liquid extraction. Characterization of the phytoconstituents was done by using phytochemical tests and GC-MS analysis. The free radical scavenging activity, total reducing power, lipid peroxidation inhibition and cell protection assays against oxidative stress were performed with methanolic extract and its fractions.

Results: Therapeutically significant class of compounds, for example, polyphenols, glycosides and sterols were revealed in the hard-shell extract. Differential separation of compounds was achieved by liquid - liquid extraction using different solvents. Six compounds: 4-Hydroxybenzeneacetic acid; 5-Oxo-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester; 1-[3-Methyl-3- Butenyl] Pyrrolidine; Trans-sinapyl alcohol; 5-[Hydroxymethyl]-2-furaldehyde and 2,4-Dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3[2H]- furan-3-one, identified in the fruit-shell extract, are being reported for the first time from this plant. Strong antioxidant potential of the extract was evident from efficient scavenging of free radicals. The extract also conferred protection to yeast cells against oxidative damage.

Conclusion: Results showed that the hard shell of the Aegle marmelos fruit was a potent source for antioxidant compounds, which can be developed for therapeutic applications in control and management of metabolic diseases.

Keywords: Aegle marmelos; Oxidative stress; antioxidant; free radicals; metabolic disorder; phytoconstituents..