Level of Ascorbic Acid, Total Phenolic, Flavonoid, Tannin, and Antioxidant Activity of Lady Finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) From Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and cellular defense mechanisms, is the fundamental driver of various chronic metabolic disorders. Consequently, the consumption of antioxidant-rich vegetables is essential for public health as a strategy to mitigate free radical-induced damage. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of lady finger (Abelmoschus esculentus) varieties sourced from four representative subcities of Addis Ababa (Arada, Lemi Kura, Bole, and Lafto), Ethiopia. The levels of ascorbic acid were determined by iodometric titration, while total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoid content (TFC), and tannins were quantified using colorimetric methods. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated through three complementary assays: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Ascorbic acid concentrations ranged from 5.27 to 5.88 mg/100 g. The Arada sample exhibited the highest TPC (130.21 mg GAE/100 g) and TFC (243.92 mg QE/100 g), while the Lafto sample had the highest tannin concentration (70.51 mg/100 g). Radical scavenging potency was high across all samples, with IC50 values for DPPH ranging from 84.4 to 86.7 μg/mL and ABTS ranging from 63.9 to 92.5 μg/mL. The Bole sample demonstrated the highest overall antioxidant activity, with a FRAP value of 201.4 mmol Fe2+/100 g of extract. These findings highlight lady finger as a valuable food source. The high antioxidant capacity suggests that these varieties are rich in dietary antioxidants, potentially enhancing the overall nutritional quality of the diet.