This study analyzed 30+ food/medicinal plants for antioxidant-rich compounds. Terminalia species (arjuna, bellerica, chebula, muelleri), Phyllanthus emblica (amla), and Syzygium cumini (jambolan) seeds showed the highest phenolic content (72–167 mg/g) and antioxidant activity (69–91%). Key compounds: gallic acid (up to 5,429 µg/g in T. chebula), ellagic acid (10,376 µg/g in T. arjuna bark), and rutin (1,132 µg/g in eucalyptus). 50% methanol extracts outperformed pure solvents. Cereals/legumes had low antioxidants.
Some plants are like superheroes because they have special stuff that keeps our bodies healthy. Scientists found that fruits like amla and trees like arjuna have lots of these healthy things. They fight bad germs in your body. Eat these plants to stay strong! 🌿✨
Top Performers:
• Terminalia spp.: Bark/fruits of T. arjuna (145.9–167.2 mg/g phenolics) and T. chebula (144.7–162.1 mg/g).
• Phyllanthus emblica: Fruits had 83.5 mg/g phenolics and 81.3% antioxidant activity.
• Syzygium cumini seeds: 108.7 mg/g phenolics.
Key Compounds:
• Gallic acid: Highest in T. chebula fruits (5,429 µg/g).
• Ellagic acid: T. arjuna bark (10,376 µg/g).
• Rutin: Eucalyptus leaves (1,132 µg/g).
• Solvent Efficiency: 50% methanol extracted 20–30% more antioxidants than water/methanol alone.
Comparison
• Cereals/legumes (e.g., rice, lentils) had minimal antioxidants (1.3–12.2 mg/g)
Prioritize:
• Amla (Phyllanthus emblica): High in quercetin (475 µg/g) and gallic acid.
• Jambolan seeds (Syzygium cumini): Rich in ellagic acid.
• Terminalia fruits (e.g., haritaki/chebulic myrobalan): Gallic acid powerhouse.
• Moringa leaves: Loaded with kaempferol (2,360 µg/g).
Limit:
• Low-phenolic cereals (rice, wheat) and legumes (chickpeas, lentils).
Strengths: Tested 30+ plants, triplicate assays, HPLC validation.
Limitations: Regional plant focus; no human trials.
Natural antioxidants combat diseases like cancer and heart issues. Incorporating these plants into diets could reduce reliance on synthetic additives and improve long-term health.
DIY Antioxidant Boost: Steep dried amla or Terminalia fruit powder in hot water for 5 mins. Add to teas/smoothies. Store in airtight containers to preserve potency.
• “Terminalia chebula fruits contain 5,429 µg/g gallic acid—equivalent to 500+ blueberries’ antioxidant power.”
• “Eucalyptus leaves are a rutin goldmine (1,132 µg/g), beating spinach by 10x.”
Bajpai, Monika & Pande, Anurag & Tewari, Shri & Prof, Dhan. (2005). Phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of some food and medicinal plants. International journal of food sciences and nutrition. 56. 287-91. 10.1080/09637480500146606.
