Author(s):
Dalila Azucena Torres Souza, Cristian Acker Godoy, Nathalia D. Aceval Arriola
Email(s):
nattieaceval@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00390 
Address:
Dalila Azucena Torres Souza1, Cristian Acker Godoy2, Nathalia D. Aceval Arriola1,3*
1Universidad Catolica Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Campus Alto Parana, Paraguay.
2Universidad Federal de la Integracion Latinoamericana, Programa de Pos-Graduación Interdisciplinar en Energía y Sostenibilidad, Foz do Iguacu, Brasil.
3Universidad Nacional del Este, Facultad de Ingeniería Agronomica, Minga Guazú, Paraguay.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 19,
Issue - 6,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
The growing emphasis on plant-derived antioxidants as health-supporting agents has increased scientific interest in bioactive compounds from botanical sources. While Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. is commonly cultivated for its ornamental value, its phytochemical and therapeutic properties remain largely underexplored. This research aimed to characterise the secondary metabolite content and antioxidant potential of bract and flower extracts from B. spectabilis, specifically investigating the impact of dehydration on their phytochemical profiles and antioxidant capacity. Preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted using standard qualitative tests, followed by quantitative assessments of total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoids compounds (TFC), and in vitro antioxidant activity through the ABTS radical scavenging assay. Qualitative screening revealed the presence of tannins, phenols, flavonoids, leucoanthocyanidins, and steroids, while alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, and terpenes were notably absent. Quantitatively, a significant difference (p<0.01) was observed between fresh and dried samples for all parameters. The drying process significantly reduced moisture content by 15.27% (p<0.01), while substantially increasing TPC to 6.68±0.439mg GAE/g and TFC to 2.18±0.139mg QE/g; these values nearly doubled upon dehydration (p<0.01). Consistently, the antioxidant capacity (ABTS) of dried samples (15.57±0.289mg TE/g) was also significantly superior to that of fresh samples (4.88±0.155mg TE/g). Pearson correlation analysis further revealed strong positive correlations between TPC and ABTS (r=0.985, p<0.00001), and TFC and ABTS (r=0.990, p<0.00001), unequivocally indicating their major contribution to antioxidant potential. Overall, these results strongly support that B. spectabilis bracts and flowers are a rich source of secondary metabolites contributing to their beneficial antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the significant increase in bioactive compounds upon drying highlights its potential as a crucial processing step. This emphasizes the value of dried B. spectabilis materials, supporting their potential for functional food development, cosmetics, or other phytochemical applications requiring robust profiles and antioxidant efficacy.
Cite this article:
Dalila Azucena Torres Souza, Cristian Acker Godoy, Nathalia D. Aceval Arriola. Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Potential of Fresh and Dried Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. Bracts and Flowers. Research Journal Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(6):2730-6. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00390
Cite(Electronic):
Dalila Azucena Torres Souza, Cristian Acker Godoy, Nathalia D. Aceval Arriola. Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Potential of Fresh and Dried Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. Bracts and Flowers. Research Journal Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(6):2730-6. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00390 Available on: https://www.rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-6-47
REFERENCES:
1. E. Abriyani, L. Fikayuniar. Screening phytochemical, antioxidant activity and vitamin C assay from Bungo perak-perak (Begonia versicolar Irmsch) leaves. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2020; 10(3): 183–187. doi: 10.5958/2231-5691.2020.00032.5. Available on: https://asianjpr.com/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Asian%20Journal%20of%20Pharmaceutical%20Research;PID=2020-10-3-8
2. P. Rangasamy, V.S. Hansiya, P.U. Maheswari, T. Suman, N. Geetha. Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of in vitro antioxidant and anti-urolithiatic potential of various fractions of Clitoria ternatea L. blue flowered leaves. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis. 2019; 9(2): 67–76. doi: 10.5958/2231-5675.2019.00014.0. Available on: https://ajpaonline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2019-9-2-5
3. K. Bireche, H. Dendougui, A. Abid, A. Messaoudi, M. Hadjadj. Pulicaria laciniata (Coss and Kral): Effects of different extraction solvents on phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity. Asian Journal of Research in Chemistry. 2021; 14(6): 425–30. doi: 10.52711/0974-4150.2021.00073. Available on: https://ajrconline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2021-14-6-6
4. M. Allaoui, M. L. Belfar, Z. D. Daouadji. Comparison of antioxidant activity, total phenolic, and total flavonoids content of butanolic extracts from Haloxylon scoparium and Traganum nudatum. Asian Journal of Research in Chemistry. 2022; 15(5): 345–50. doi: 10.52711/0974-4150.2022.00062. Available on: https://www.ajrconline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2022-15-5-8
5. B. Djamila, D. Ouahida, L. S. Eddine, M. Souheila. The impact of pH value in the phenolic content and antioxidant potential of medicinal plant extract. Asian Journal of Research in Chemistry. 2022; 15(5): 331–6. doi: 10.52711/0974-4150.2022.00059. Available on: https://www.ajrconline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2022-15-5-5
6. R. R. Raja, Y. Haribabu, C. I. Sajeeth. Phytochemical evaluation of Mentha species including antioxidant activity. Asian Journal of Research in Chemistry. 2021; 14(6): 397–400. doi: 10.52711/0974-4150.2021.00068. Available on: https://ajrconline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2021-14-6-1
7. A. Bouaziz-Benzid, R. Hammoudi, M. H. Hadj Amahammed, A. Tlili, S. Bouaziz, C. Bekka, H. Mesrouk. Optimization of extraction conditions of the polyphenols, flavonoids and the antioxidant activity of the plant Ammosperma cinereum (Brassicaceae) through the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Asian Journal of Research in Chemistry. 2020; 13(1): 1–6. doi: 10.5958/0974-4150.2020.00001.2. Available on: https://www.ajrconline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2020-13-1-1
8. S. Xu, Q. Huang, Q. Shu, C. Chen, B.A. Vick. Reproductive organography of Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. Scientia Horticulturae. 2009; 120(3): 399–405. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2008.11.023. Available on: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030442380800455X?via%3Dihub
9. Sánchez APC. Estudio fitoquímico de las brácteas, flores y hojas en la especie Bougainvillea glabra y evaluación de su actividad biológica. Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales U.D.C.A, Facultad de Ciencias y Tecnología, Bogotá. 2014.
10. D.J.M. Kumar, K. Sonia, R. Madhan, K. Selvakumar, P.T. Kalaichelvan. Antiyeast, antioxidant and anticancer activity of Tribulus terrestris Linn and Bougainvillea spectabilis Linn. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2011; 4(9): 1483-9. doi: not available. Available on: https://rjptonline.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacy%20and%20Technology;PID=2011-4-9-24
11. A. Elumalai, M.C. Eswariah, C.H. V. Chowdary, R. Kumar, M. Anusha, K. Naresh. Screening of thrombolytic activity of Bougainvillea glabra leaves extract by in-vitro. Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2012; 2(4): 134-6. Available on: https://ajpsonline.com/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Asian%20Journal%20of%20Research%20in%20Pharmaceutical%20Sciences;PID=2012-2-4-3
12. E. Edwin, E. Sheeja, E. Toppo, V. Tiwari, K.R. Dutt. Anti-diarrhoeal, anti-ulcer and antimicrobial activities of leaves of Bougainvillea glabra Choisy. Ars Pharmaceutica [Internet]. 2007; 1(18-04–07): 11. Available on: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285686534
13. G.I. Adebayo, O.T. Alabi, B.V. Owoyele, A.O. Soladoye. Anti-diabetic properties of the aqueous leaf extract of Bougainvillea glabra (glory of the garden) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Y Acad Chem Globe Publ [Internet]. 2009 Oct 4. Available on: https://acgpubs.org/RNP/2009/Volume%203/Issue%201/27-RNP-0904-100.pdf
14. R. Eslavath, V. Harikrishna, N. Kosuru, G. Venkateshwarlu, M. Sabat, K. Kanakaiah. Phytochemical Screening and TLC, UV-Spectrophotometer Study of Bougainvillea glabra. Asian J. Pharm. Ana. 2013; 3(3): 83–85. Available on: https://ajpaonline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2013-3-3-3
15. M. Kumar, D. Kaushik, J. Kaur, C. Proestos, F. Oz, A. Kumar, et al. Assessment of anti-obesity potential and techno-functional properties of Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. bracts. Separations [Internet]. 2022; 9(12): 399. doi: 10.3390/separations9120399. Available on: https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/9/12/399
16. P.K. Das, J.S. Vaghela, N. Badore. Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical and Fluorescence analysis of the plant Bougainvillea spectabilis (Willd.). Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2021; 14(7): 3733–8. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2021.00646. Available on: https://rjptonline.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacy%20and%20Technology;PID=2021-14-7-43
17. N.N. Yuliani, S. Siswandono, T. Erawati, J. Sambara, Y. Korassa, S. Poddar. Bougenville Flower (Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd) Extract (In Vitro) Activity Test as Sunscreen. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2024; 17(2): 849–54. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2024.00131. Available on: https://rjptonline.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacy%20and%20Technology;PID=2024-17-2-59
18. N.N. Yuliani, Siswandono, T. Erawati, J. Sambara, M. Lenggu. Determination of Total Flavonoid and Total Phenol content of Bugenvil Bracteas (Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd) and its Activity as an Antioxidant. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2025; 18(1): 221–6. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2025.00034. Available on: https://rjptonline.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacy%20and%20Technology;PID=2025-18-1-34
19. L. Chaires-Martinez, E. Monroy-Reyes, A. Bautista-Bringas, H.A. Jiménez-Ávalos, G. Sepúlveda-Jiménez. Determination of radical scavenging activity of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts from Bauhinia divaricata and Bougainvillea spectabilis using the DPPH assay. Pharmacognosy Research. 2009; 1: 238–44. Available on: https://www.phcogres.com/sites/default/files/PharmacognRes-1-5-238_0.pdf
20. N.V.L. Suvarchala Reddy, V. Alekhya, M. Ganga Raju. Evaluation of the Diuretic activity of the Methanolic Extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2019; 11(1): 38–41. doi: 10.5958/0975-4385.2019.00008.6. Available on: https://rjpponline.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacognosy%20and%20Phytochemistry;PID=2019-11-1-8
21. R. Abarca-Vargas, C. Peña Malacara, V. Petricevich. Characterization of chemical compounds with antioxidant and cytotoxic activities in Bougainvillea × buttiana Holttum and Standl. (var. Rose) extracts. Antioxidants (Basel) [Internet]. 2016; 5(4): 45. doi: 10.3390/antiox5040045. Available on: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27918436/
22. World Health Organization. WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023: meeting report, Gujarat, India, 17–18 August 2023 [Internet]. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025 [cited 2025 May 28]. Available from: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/who-traditional-medicine-global-summit-2023
23. Farmacopea Nacional Argentina. 6ª ed. Buenos Aires: Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Medica (ANMAT); 1978.
24. Farmacopea Argentina. 7ª ed. Buenos Aires: Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica (ANMAT); 2003.
25. Harborne JB. Phytochemical methods: a guide to modern techniques of plant analysis. 2nd ed. London: Chapman and Hall; 1991.
26. Boroski M, Visentainer J, Cottica S, De Morais D. Antioxidantes: principios e métodos analíticos. 1st ed. Curitiba: [editor no informado]; 2015. p. 11–86.
27. V. L. Singleton, J. A. Rossi. Colorimetry of Total Phenolics with Phosphomolybdic-Phosphotungstic Acid Reagents. Am J Enol Vitic. 1965; 16(3): 144–58. doi: 10.5344/ajev.1965.16.3.144 available on https://doi.org/10.5344/ajev.1965.16.3.144
28. R. Re, N. Pellegrini, A. Proteggente, A. Pannala, M. Yang, C. Rice-Evans. Antioxidant activity applying an improved ABTS radical cation decolorization assay. Free Radic Biol Med. 1999; 26(9–10): 1231–7. doi: 10.1016/s0891-5849(98)00315-3 available on https://doi.org/10.1016/s0891-5849(98)00315-3
29. A. Ghogar, W. Jiraungkoorskul. Antifertility effect of Bougainvillea spectabilis or paper flower. Pharmacogn Rev. 2017; 11(21): 19–22. doi: 10.4103/phrev.phrev_44_16 available on https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28503048/
30. D. Kaushik, M. Kumar, C. Proestos, F. Oz, P. Gupta, A. Kumar, et al. A narrative review on the anti-inflammatory efficacy of Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. and its various applications. JAFR. 2023; 12. doi: 10.1016/j.jafr.2023.100275 available on https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666154323000777
31. V. Lavanya, S.P. Thamaraiselvi, D. Uma, editor. Studies on extraction of betalain pigments by different solvents and assessing antioxidant activity of Bougainvillea spectabilis and Celosia argentea flowers [Internet]. Madras Agricultural Students Union; 2020 [cited 2025 May 28]. Available from: http://masujournal.org/106/190230.pdf