The phenolic extracts of the seeds of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) were studied using different extraction solvents (70% ethanol, 80% acetone and acidic 70% acetone) and two heat treatment methods (dry heating on a hot plate with acid-washed sea sand at 135℃ for 25 min and wet heating in an autoclave at 120℃ for 20 min). The study examined the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and condensed tannin content (CTC) of the seed extracts, as well as their free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties. The raw African yam bean seed was dry heated in air oven at 100℃ for 5 min (control). Heat treatments application affected the phenolic contents of the seeds significantly (p < 0.05). The free radical scavenging activity of the phenolics were done using 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The effectiveness of the extract was determined using DPPH at 50 mg/g, 10 mg/g and 5 mg/g of the extracts. At 5 mg/g, the extract was most effective indicating that higher concentration of extract gave higher antioxidant activity. The seed has high antioxidant capacity and an appreciable amount of phenolic extracts.
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