We received a single submission, so the sole candidate automatically wins the competition!

Congratulations to Mayowa Deborah Akanji, a final-year student from the Department of Pharmacy at Obafemi Awolowo University, for securing financial support for her final-year project titled: “Antioxidant Investigation of the Crude Fractions of Ixora coccinea“.

For inquisitive minds, here is the abstract of her research:

ANTIOXIDANT INVESTIGATION OF THE CRUDE FRACTIONS OF IXORA COCCINEA

Ixora coccinea emerges as a promising candidate for antioxidant research within the rapidly evolving field of natural product studies. While the plant has long been utilized in traditional medicine, its molecular properties remain under-explored. This pioneering study aims to address a critical knowledge gap by thoroughly investigating the antioxidant potential of I. coccinea and its possible therapeutic applications in combating oxidative stress-related diseases.

Methods: A novel multi-stage extraction and isolation approach will be employed to optimize the recovery of phytochemicals. Approximately 2 kg of I. coccinea will be harvested and dried within the university premises. The dried plant material will be pulverized and extracted using 100% ethanol. The resulting crude extract, concentrated using a rotary evaporator, will undergo systematic partitioning with various organic solvents, including n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, and methanol, through vacuum liquid chromatography.

Each fraction will be subjected to qualitative analysis by spraying with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), followed by quantitative assay. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts will be assessed through three distinct assays: DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical neutralization assay, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay.

Expected Results: This study is expected to identify key secondary metabolites in I. coccinea, with a particular focus on flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins, which contribute to its antioxidant properties.

Conclusion: The findings from this study will provide a systematic approach to natural product-based drug discovery, highlighting the untapped potential of tropical medicinal plants. Future research should focus on complete isolation and structural elucidation of bioactive compounds, pharmacological profiling, clinical applications, and the full therapeutic effects of these compounds against oxidative stress-related diseases.

Good luck to Mayowa in her final year of undergraduate study.

Until the next time, folks!