International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review

Gynandropsis gynandra is a medicinal plant recognised for its diverse phytochemical constituents and potential antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, acute oral toxicity and in vitro antioxidant activities of its methanolic leaf extract. Fresh leaves of G. gynandra were extracted with methanol and subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening. Acute oral toxicity was assessed in experimental animals using doses ranging from 10 to 5000 mg/kg body weight. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical-scavenging assay at 20–100 µg/mL, with ascorbic acid as the reference. Results were expressed as mean ± SEM, and differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. The results showed that the extract tested positive for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, phenols, glycosides and terpenoids, while anthraquinones were not detected. No mortality was observed at doses of 10–5000 mg/kg. DPPH scavenging activity increased from 13.47% at 20 µg/mL to 48.57% at 100 µg/mL, whereas the activity of ascorbic acid increased from 23.91% to 83.67%. The extract showed significantly lower activity than ascorbic acid (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the methanolic leaf extract of G. gynandra contains diverse phytochemical constituents and demonstrates concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. The absence of mortality across the tested doses supports its relative acute oral safety under the conditions studied, while its antioxidant effects indicate potential biological value.