Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Potential, and Radiological Risk of Sachet Herbal Alcoholic Drinks in Ughelli, Nigeria

Sachet herbal alcoholic drinks are widely consumed in Ughelli, Nigeria, yet their phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential remain poorly characterized. This study investigated twenty commonly consumed sachet herbal alcoholic drinks using qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening alongside in‑vitro antioxidant assays. Results revealed that terpenes and glycosides were the most frequently detected phytochemicals, while saponins and steroids were absent. Alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids were present in varying concentrations, with samples I, J, S, and T exhibiting higher levels of phenols (up to 0.145 mg/ml) and flavonoids (up to 0.347 mg/ml). Antioxidant assays demonstrated strong correlations between phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity, with samples I, S, and T showing the highest reducing power, and samples G and Q achieving the greatest DPPH radical scavenging activity (88.06%). Despite evidence of bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential, significant variability among brands highlights the lack of standardization and regulatory oversight. These findings provide baseline scientific data on sachet herbal alcoholic drinks in Ughelli and underscore the need for stricter quality control and toxicological evaluation to ensure consumer safety.