Preliminary Phytochemical Characterization, In vitro Antioxidant and Gastric Acid–neutralizing Properties of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum

Abstract

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a significant global health challenge, driven largely by Helicobacter pylori infection, non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug use, and oxidative stress–mediated mucosal injury. In this study, the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro gastric acid–neutralizing potential f the aqueous leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum and its solvent fractions were evaluated as preliminary indicators of gastroprotective potential, rather than confirmed anti‑ulcer efficacy. Qualitative phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, triterpenoids, phenolics, and steroids. Quantitative assays, expressed relative to extract dry weight, revealed triterpenoids as the most abundant class. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, with results expressed as mean ± SEM (n = 3). Several solvent fractions demonstrated concentration‑dependent antioxidant activity; however, comparisons with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were descriptive and not subjected to inferential statistical equivalence testing. Gastric acid neutralization was evaluated using an in vitro titration model, where extracts increased solution pH, particularly in the presence of sodium carbonate. These findings indicate that B. pinnatum contains bioactive constituents with antioxidant activity and acid‑buffering capacity that may contribute to gastroprotective effects, but do not constitute direct evidence of anti‑ulcerogenic efficacy. Further in vivo and mechanistic studies, including mucosal protection and enzymatic models, are required to substantiate therapeutic relevance.