Phytochemical and Metabolomic Profiles of Ethanolic Extract of Curculigo pilosa Rhizomes for Animal Health

Medicinal plants have gained global attention as important sources of bioactive compounds with therapeutic and health-promoting potential. Acacia nilotica, a plant widely used in traditional medicine, was selected for this study due to its reported pharmacological properties. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of Acacia nilotica. Fresh leaves of Acacia nilotica were collected, authenticated and extracted in ethanol using the cold maceration method. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were performed using standard methods to detect the presence and concentration of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, steroids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides while the antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay. The crude ethanolic leaf extract contained high concentration of phenols (16.3 ± 0.02 mg/g), carbohydrates (16.5 ± 0.05 mg/g), flavonoids (10.4 ± 0.02 mg/g), tannins (10.1 ± 0.02 mg/g), and reducing sugars (10.7 ± 0.01 mg/g), while alkaloids (4.9±0.01 mg/g), saponins (5.3±0.01 mg/g), and glycosides (4.1±0.02mg/g) were present in moderate amounts. Steroids and terpenoids were not detected. The antioxidant assay revealed a concentration-dependent activity, with maximum inhibition of 88.6 ± 0.64% at 500 µg/mL, compared to 96.0 ± 0.06% for ascorbic acid. These findings show that the ethanolic leaf extract of Acacia nilotica is a rich and promising source of natural antioxidants and bioactive phytochemicals that may be responsible for pharmacological effects. The works provide bridges between traditional knowledge and modern science to validate ethnomedicinal claims with laboratory-based evidence. For further research, it can inspire isolation of specific compounds, in vivo testing, or formulation of herbal drugs supporting its traditional use and potential for pharmaceutical applications.

Pawpaw (Carica papaya) is a tropical herbaceous plant whose seeds have attracted increasing attention due to their phytochemicals, minerals, and associated health benefits. This study evaluated the phytochemical, proximate, vitamin, and mineral compositions of pawpaw seed extract using standard analytical methods. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed high concentrations of alkaloids (19.91 ± 0.00%), phenols (7.34 ± 0.00%), flavonoids (6.17 ± 0.09%), steroids (6.14 ± 0.00%), saponins (4.77 ± 0.00%), tannins (4.63 ± 0.00%), anthocyanins (4.37 ± 0.06%), cyanogenic glycosides (3.18 ± 0.00%), cardiac glycosides (1.34 ± 0.00%), phytate (0.53 ± 0.00%), and oxalate (0.18 ± 0.00%). Proximate analysis showed that the seeds contained high levels of carbohydrates (64.62 ± 0.54%), moisture (13.09 ± 0.09%), crude protein (9.43 ± 0.40%), ash (8.54 ± 0.03%), crude fiber (2.35 ± 0.03%), and crude fat (1.12 ± 0.03%). Vitamin analysis indicated that vitamin C (68.90 ± 0.02 mg/kg) was the most abundant, followed by vitamin A (29.34 ± 0.05 mg/L) and vitamin E (9.22 ± 0.02 mg/L). Mineral composition revealed zinc as the most predominant (0.98 ± 0.00 ppm), followed by iron (0.47 ± 0.00 ppm), manganese (0.19 ± 0.00 ppm), copper (0.08 ± 0.00 ppm), nickel (0.02 ± 0.00 ppm), while lead was not detected. Overall, pawpaw seed extract was shown to be rich in phytochemicals, vitamins (A, C, and E), and essential minerals, all of which are known for their antioxidant properties and potential to scavenge free radicals.

This study examined the phytochemical composition and biological activities of Cannabis sativa L. extracts, focusing on their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Advanced techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to identify and quantify phytochemicals. The hexane extract contained the highest concentrations of phenolics (175 ± 4 mg GAE/g DWE), flavonoids (14 ± 1.5 mg GAE/g DWE), flavones (2.2 ± 0.4 mg GAE/g DWE), and tannins (0.51 ± 0.08 mg GAE/g DWE). Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid responsible for psychoactive effects, was predominant in the hexane extract, whereas cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, was more abundant in the chloroform extract. Both extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and total antioxidant capacity assays. Anti-inflammatory effects were observed through the inhibition of protein denaturation (IC50 ∼350 μg/mL) and membrane stabilization (IC50 185–470 μg/mL, depending on the assay). The results underscore the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of Cannabis sativa extracts, supporting their traditional medicinal use. Molecular docking studies suggest that phytochemicals, particularly CBD and THC, may assist in managing inflammation by inhibiting The nuclear factor Kappa B and lipoxygenase pathways. These findings enhance the understanding of the therapeutic potential of Cannabis sativa in managing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Phytochemical, Vitamins and Toxic level of processed Cocoyam inflorescence were determined. Samples of cocoyam inflorescence were processed by blanching, soaking, Boiling, sun drying, and oven drying. Fresh sample of Cocoyam inflorescence was analyzed and stands as the control. All the chemical analysis was determined, using standard analytical method. Processing methods caused significant (p<0.05) reduction on the Vitamins, phytochemical composition and toxic components of cocoyam inflorescence. Pro vitamin A content of fresh sample was 348.91µg/dl while Vit. E, B2 and C were 16.82, 12.59 and 27.21 mg/100g respectively. The fresh sample showed 114.01, 586, 1.52, 36.07, 254.24, 32.27 and 32.87% respectively for flavonoid, carotenoid, phenol, oxalate, steroid, phytate and alkaloid contents. Water blanching and oven drying showed significantly (p<0.05) reduction in Vit. E, B2, C and pro vit A by 83.5, 79.1, 98.6 and 95% respectively. Boiling and sun drying caused significant (p<0.05) reduction in alkaloid, flavonoid, carotenoid, saponin, phenol, oxalate, steroids, phytate and tannin content by 95.8, 83.2, 94.4, 74.6, 45.4, 43.1, 87.2 and 97.8% respectively. These results showed that fresh Cocoyam inflorescence contains appreciable amount of vitamins with moderate level of phytochemicals. The highest dosage of 5000 mg/kg body weight of cocoyam inflorescence extract had no significant (p<0.05) toxic effect on the tested animals. Petroleum ether extract showed the presence of rich variety of the secondary metabolites. Boiling with sun drying showed higher losses of vitamins and phytochemical composition of Cocoyam inflorescence while boiling with oven drying showed better retention of these bioactive components in Cocoyam inflorescence.

Chewing sticks have been identified as potential tools for teeth cleaning and protection against dental conditions, including caries. This study determined the phytochemical composition of specific medicinal plants commonly utilized as chewing sticks by determining the qualitative and quantitative composition in various medicinal plants used as chewing sticks: bitter leaf, orange, neem, napoleanna, kolanut, and guava. Chewing sticks from bitter leaf, orange, neem, napoleanna, kolanut and guava plants have been used as tooth cleaner. Additionally, these chewing sticks protect against several dental conditions including caries. This study aimed to analyze the presence of various classes of phytochemicals and to determine their compositions in various extracts obtained from the twigs of these plants. Soxhlet extraction of the plants were done using standard method and aqueous, methanolic and ethanolic extracts of the plants were used for their various phytochemicals. The investigation focused on alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, and glycosides, examining their concentrations in aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts. Bitter leaf extracts exhibited substantial levels of alkaloids (methanolic: 47.44%, ethanolic: 43.73%, aqueous: 35.9%) and flavonoids (methanolic: 12.28%, ethanolic: 8.85%, aqueous: 5.05%). Tannin content was higher in aqueous extracts (4.92%) compared to ethanolic (4.59%) and methanolic (4.35%) extracts. Saponin levels were highest in aqueous extracts (18.83%), while steroids (0.86%) and glycosides (0.48%) were predominant in methanolic extracts. Quantitative analysis of orange extracts revealed elevated steroid and glycoside levels in methanolic extracts. Neem extracts consistently displayed high concentrations of steroids and glycosides across all solvents, with statistical analysis indicating no significant differences (p>0.05). Napoleanna extracts showcased variations in alkaloid (ethanolic: 0.59%), flavonoid (aqueous: 6.72%), tannin (methanolic: 0.37%), saponin (methanolic: 4.27%), steroid (aqueous: 0.22%), and glycoside (ethanolic: 0.37%) content. Kolanut extracts exhibited high alkaloid, tannin, and steroid levels across all extracts, with glycosides prominent in aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Guava extracts demonstrated varying concentrations of alkaloids (methanolic: 0.87%, aqueous: 0.18%), flavonoids (ethanolic: 1.60%, methanolic: 1.08%), tannins (methanolic: 1.09%, ethanolic: 0.83%), saponins (methanolic: 3.28%, ethanolic: 0.92%), steroids (methanolic: 1.13%, ethanolic: 0.43%), and glycosides (methanolic: 0.46%, ethanolic: 0.02%). Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) in the phytochemical amounts among the tested extracts for each plant.

A comparative study to determine the impact of gas flaring (GF) on some phytoconstituents of five commonly used green leafy vegetables was done. Two locations in south-east states in Nigeria, Ibeno in Akwa Ibom State, a gas flaring (GF) community and Nsukka in Enugu State, a non-gas flaring (NGF) community, were used. Five fresh green leafy vegetable samples were used for this study (Amaranthus hybridus, Gnetum africanum, Talinum triangulare, Telfairia occidentalis, and Vernonia amygdalina) and were obtained from community farmlands during the rainy season between August and November, 2016. After collecting and identifying the green leafy vegetables from five different farmlands in GF and NGF areas and at a distance of about 2km radius from the flare site in GF communities, detailed laboratory analysis was done for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins. For A. hybridus, the flavonoid and tannin contents in NGF community were significantly (p<0.05) higher than in GF community; G. africanum, the alkaloid and tannin contents were higher in NGF community; T. triangulare, the alkaloid content alone was higher in NGF community; T. occidentalis, the alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin and tannin contents were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the NGF community; V. amygdalina, the tannin content alone was higher in NGF community compared to the GF community. Most green leafy vegetables from NGF community produced higher and better phytoconstituent concentrations than the GF community. This can be attributed to the non-pollution of the former environment.

The qualitative and quantitative studies were performed on Tribulus terrestris L. fruits to ascertain the quality parameters. T. terrestris L. fruits were analyzed for macroscopical, microscopical studies, physico-chemical parameters, fluorescence studies, elemental analysis, preliminary phytochemical screening, total phenolic, flavonoid, tannin, saponin and alkaloid content. For macroscopy fresh fruits were used. n- hexane and hydroalcoholic extracts were used for preliminary phytochemical screening and quantitative estimation of total phenolic content, flavonoid content, tannin content, total saponin, alkaloid content. For quantitative estimation UV- spectrophotometer was used at required wavelength. The colour of fresh fruits was green while dried was light brown. Fruits were globose in shape. Odour was slightly aromatic and taste was slightly bitter and astringent. Transverse section of fruit showed five cocci filled with fixed oil cells while powder microscopy showed numerous trichomes, lignified and nonlignified fibers, collenchyma, endosperm cells containing fixed oil, cortex cells, xylem vessels etc. Elemental analysis was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and showed heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, lead and cadmium etc. were within limits. Preliminary phytochemical studies revealed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, sterols, phenolic and tannins compounds. These studies will help to establish quality standards, purity and sample identification of T. terrestris L. fruits.

Plants have played a significant role in preventing degenerative diseases and maintaining good health. Dennettia tripetala is used for the treatment of pains and inflammations, as an antimicrobial agent, relief of respiratory disorders and for the treatment of fever. This study aims to evaluate the chemical profile and antioxidant properties of the methanol extract of the stem bark of Dennettia tripetala. The stem bark was collected, air-dried, and extracted with 70% methanol. Quantitative phytochemical screening of the methanol extract was performed to determine the concentrations of tannins, phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and terpenoids using in vitro techniques and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Antioxidant activity of the extract and fractions was evaluated using ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assays and determination of total phenolic content. The IC50 values were determined using GraphPad Prism 9. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds including phenol, eugenol, caryophyllene, naphthalene, trimethyl arsenate, and other phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The methanol extract and its fractions demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, with high concentrations of phenolics and flavonoids contributing to their potency. The FRAP, DPPH, and NO scavenging assays confirmed the extract's ability to neutralize free radicals. The study concludes that the stem bark of D. tripetala possesses substantial antioxidant properties, which supports its traditional use in managing oxidative stress-related ailments.

Results obtained with RapiTest THC (One Step delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Test), RapiTest MOP (One Step Morphine Test), RapiTest MET (One Step Methamphetamine Test), and RapiTest COC (One Step Cocaine Test) were compared with the results obtained with Emit d.a.u. and with gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) methods. In all, 81 urine samples taken from specimens submitted for routine analysis in the Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology were analyzed. Samples were screened with Emit, reanalyzed by RapiTests, and quantitated using GC-MS methods. Both positive and negative urine samples were tested. The results obtained with RapiTests correlated well with the Emit d.a.u. and GC-MS data when operating above the cutoff concentrations specified for these methods. RapiTest MOP was found to have crossreactivity with codeine and ethylmorphine, and RapiTest MET crossreacted with amphetamine.

A gas chromatography-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) method utilizing electron impact ionization has been developed for the quantitation of the antiparasitic agent, ivermectin (IVM). The approach is based upon the pre-column derivatization of IVM by reaction with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)tri-fluoroacetamide (BSTFA) in the presence of 1-methylimidazole as catalyst and carbon tetrachloride as solvent to form the trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivative of IVM (IVM-TMS) prior to injection into the GC-MS system. The derivatization reaction is complete within 5.0 min at room temperature and allows the GC-MS determination of IVM. A limit of detection for IVM of 0.67 ng g−1 was achieved (via monitoring the peak with m/z = 185 in the selective ion mode and benzophenone-d10 as the internal standard). The method was utilized with success for the determination of IVM in spiked horse meat samples yielding recoveries very similar to that obtained using a reference liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric method (LC-MS). In addition, this GC-MS method can be employed to determine not only IVM but also other related macrolide veterinary drugs such as eprinomectin and moxidectin which are often administered along with IVM. Detection limits of 3.72 and 5.44 ng g−1 were obtained for eprinomectin and moxidectin, respectively.

Effects of soil types on phytochemical constituents and antioxidant properties of Solanum nigrum

A sensitive method for quantitating the pharmacologically active polyacetylenes panaxynol and panaxydol in Radix Ginseng was developed using a capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) method. The detection mode of selected ion monitoring (SIM) allowed sensitive and selective quantitation of the two compounds in ginseng. Method validation showed that the GC-MS method has much lower detection and quantitation limits than the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV method. This indicates that GC-MS is particularly useful for the analysis of polyacetylene compounds, which have relatively low abundances compared with ginsenosides in ginseng. Based on the quantitative results of different types of ginseng herbs, it was found that the panaxydol and panaxynol contents were higher in forest ginseng than in cultivated ginseng. This method was further applied to the quantitative analyses of panaxynol and panaxydol in Radix Notoginseng and American ginseng. The ratio of panaxydol to panaxynol can be utilized as a marker for differentiating ginseng, notoginseng, and American ginseng. This study introduces the first GC-MS method for the quantitative analysis of polyacetylenes in herbs of the Panax genus.

Background Phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides and volatile oils are only a few bioactive phytochemicals found in most plants including Catha edulis Forsk which is consumed daily in most regions of Uganda. Objective This study aimed to analyze and quantify the bioactive constituents in lyophilized leaf extract of Catha edulis (‘Kasenge’ variety) from central Uganda. Methods Total alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic and saponins contents were determined using spectrophotometric techniques. The bioactive compounds in the Catha edulis leaves were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Result The total alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids and saponins contents were 0.0063 mg/g atropine equivalent, 0.099 mg/g gallic acid equivalent, 0.047 mg/g quercetin equivalent and saponins 0.69 mg/g diosgenin equivalent. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting detected thirty-four characteristic phytochemical peaks while gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified twenty-one bioactive compounds including essential fatty acids and diterpenoids known for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties with 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester (Z, Z, Z) constituting 35.01%, hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester and methyl ester accounting for over 21% of the composition, phytol (10.38%), butyl 9,12-octadecadienoate (7.58%) and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (3.22%). Conclusion Although the alkaloid content in the Kasenge khat variety was lower than that reported in khat from other regions, the phenolic and flavonoid concentrations were comparable, suggesting the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of this variety. Further research is recommended to explore its pharmacological properties and optimize cultivation practices to enhance the yield of bioactive compound.

Morus alba L. is a fast-growing shrub or moderate height tree and considered as Ayurvedic medicinal plant due to its medicinal uses. M. alba has high concentrations of phenols, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and carbohydrates. In this review, approximately 200 papers were reviewed, and finally 96 papers were used to explore the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of the Morus alba plant. The aim of this study is to provide an insightful exploration of biologically active compounds present in the bark, leaves, flowers, and fruits of the M. alba plant, and its potential pharmacological effects include anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anthelmintic, anti-obesity, anxiolytic, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and nephroprotective activity. Phytocompounds present in M. alba extracts also have various biological activities, including blood coagulation factors, vasodilation, cytotoxic responses, cytokine storming, sympathetic responses, oxidative stress, cardiovascular, skin, gastrointestinal, skin whitening, and fibrosis, among others. The findings of this review paper showed that different parts of M. alba have various pharmacological and therapeutic potential and hence can be used in various herbal formulations as well as health care products.

ABSTRACTThe chemical constituents in Myristica fragrans seeds were analyzed using proximate analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopic (AAS), phytochemical and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) methods. Results showed the percentage proximate composition of M. fragrans seeds as: crude ash < crude protein < crude fibre < moisture < crude fat < nitrogen free extract. The AAS analysis indicated the presence of magnesium (133.10mg kg–1), sodium (423.55 mg kg–1), calcium (1560.09 mg kg–1) and potassium (5139 mg kg–1). The aqueous extract of M. fragrans seeds had higher concentrations of phenols (0.10 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g–1) and flavonoids (1.10 mg quercetin equivalent (QE) g–1) than the dichloromethane extracts that had phenols (0.03 mg GAE g–1) and flavonoids (0.10 QE mg g–1). The aqueous and dichloromethane extracts contained 6 and 18 bioactive compounds respectively.