Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Potential of Leaf Extract Berchermia discolour (Munie Tree) For Goats in The Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

The study aims to investigate the phytochemical content and antioxidant potential of leaf extract Berchermia discolour (Munie tree) for goats. Plant leaves were ground, and their powder was mixed with reagents and chemicals to attain the concentration level of phytochemicals and other bioactive compounds found in these plant's properties. Most of the phytoconstituents were present (shown by the change of colour), and the phenolic content, tannins, and flavonoid content of B. discolour were significantly different across the treatments (p<0.05). Acetone extractant had the highest phenolic content (1.089±0.06 mg/g), while water had the lowest (0.081±0.06 mg/g). From the solvents used to extract active components from B. discolour leaves, DCM had the highest mass of extractants, whereas acetone had a low one. Antioxidant activity was the highest quantity in the acetone extract compared to hexane, which had the lowest quantitative activity. Under FRAP, dichloromethane extract had high quantitative antioxidant activity with water, methanol and hexane in the same low level of quantity. These results suggested that the leaves could be utilized as a feed with stronger antioxidant properties. Similarly, it was found that these bioactive compounds have effects on the health and growth performance of goats. Therefore, these phytochemicals and antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage and enhance immune function and longevity. In conclusion, B. discolour is beneficial to the goats as it enhances efficiency and potentially yields economic gains for farmers.