Phytochemical screening and antioxidants in vitro bioaccessibility of Coccinia grandis: an underutilized wild edible plant in Sri Lanka

Abstract Coccinia grandis (L.) J. Voigt is an underutilized wild edible plant in Sri Lanka that consists of a number medicinal and nutritional values. Underutilized edibles have multiple positive health effects for humans, attributed to their bioactive compounds including minerals, antioxidants phytochemicals. Even though these extracts are enriched with compounds, the bioaccessibility as well as, bioavailability those significantly depend on structure form which they introduced into human body. Therefore, crude extract C. was subjected evaluate phytochemicals, antioxidant activity vitro fraction digested samples were calculated. Organic solvents namely, ethanol, hexane chloroform used qualitative phytochemical screening conducted screen presence or absence Results indicate alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, quinone, terpenoids steroids available phytochemicals every organic grandis. Evaluation done by two different assays such DPPH ABTS. In it detected relatively high 0.008 mg/mL (IC50) assay 561.94 mg TEAC/ g ABTS assay. Antioxidant also tested through digestion model 42% rate indicated against corresponding un-digested ethanol Based various natural source antioxidants, this species can be improve diet, especially low-income people.