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Abstract
This study comparatively evaluated the antioxidant properties, proximate composition and quantitative phytochemical constituents of the leaves of sage (Salvia officinalis), holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), white ginger lily (Hedychium coronarium) and ginger (Zingiber officinale). Leaves were collected, authenticated, dried and pulverised. Proximate composition was determined by standard methods. Total phenolic, flavonoid, tannin, alkaloid and saponin contents were measured. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH radical-scavenging and FRAP assays. Holy basil recorded the highest ash (11.38%), crude protein (17.64%) and crude fat (5.42%). White ginger lily had the highest moisture (10.24%) and crude fibre (13.46%). Ginger recorded the highest carbohydrate content (53.24%). Sage exhibited the highest total phenolics (86.42 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (42.16 mg QE/g) and tannins (18.74 mg TAE/g). Holy basil recorded the highest alkaloids (9.46 mg/g) and saponins (8.14 mg/g). At 100 µg/mL, sage showed the highest DPPH activity (76.35%), followed by holy basil (72.18%), ginger (66.74%) and white ginger lily (55.84%). Sage also had the lowest DPPH IC₅₀ (57.82 µg/mL) and the highest FRAP value (71.84 mg Fe²⁺/g). Antioxidant potential followed the order sage > holy basil > ginger > white ginger lily. The four plants are valuable sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds, with sage showing the greatest antioxidant potential under the conditions of the study.