Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of Selected Philippine Fruit Peels and Pulps

Aim: This research aimed to explore the potential of underutilized plant waste products from Philippine fruits as sustainable sources of phytochemicals, assessing the viability of green extraction methods. It focused on the antioxidant activities of extracts from fruit peels and pulps, comparing these to the benchmark antioxidant, L-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Materials and Methods: Peels and pulps from selected local fruits, including Annona squamosa (sugar apple; atis), Musa acuminata (banana; lakatan), Sandoricum koetjape (cotton fruit; santol), Mangifera altissima (mango; paho) and Ananas comosus (pineapple; piña), were utilized. Standard phytochemical screening methods were employed to identify the presence of secondary metabolites in aqueous extracts. Quantification of antioxidant activities was conducted against DPPH. Results: Antioxidant activities of S. koetjape (cotton fruit; santol) and M. altissima (mango; paho) fruit extracts demonstrated better or comparable efficacy to L-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Evidence was established that water-based extraction of secondary metabolites, which are polar, is both feasible and environmentally sustainable. Conclusion: Extracts from Philippine fruit waste products are viable sources of phytochemicals with significant antioxidant activities. Furthermore, water-based, green extraction methods are beneficial for environmental sustainability and the promotion of green waste management.