Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Heavy Metal Content of Root and Stem Bark Extracts of Lannea welwitschii and Lannea velutina from Ghana

Background Lannea velutina and Lannea welwitschii are used for the treatment of wounds and diabetes, respectively, in Ghanaian traditional medicine, besides other uses, yet their bioactive profiles and safety remain poorly understood. Methods This study analyzed root and stem bark extracts (methanol and hydroethanol) for phytoconstituents, antioxidant potential (DPPH, FRAP, TAC assays), heavy metal concentration, and FTIR spectroscopic markers. Results The extracts exhibited high levels of flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins, particularly in the methanolic stem bark. Strong antioxidant activity was evident, with DPPH EC ₅₀ values as low as 0.63 mg/mL and FRAP and TAC results confirming reducing power and capacity. All analyzed heavy metals were below detection limits, confirming safety. Conclusion Lannea velutina and Lannea welwitschii extracts are rich in natural antioxidants and were free of hazardous heavy metals in the samples analyzed, supporting their traditional therapeutic use and potential for further product development.