Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of Gongronema latifolium Leaf Extract

Abstract

Phytochemical compounds are secondary metabolites produced by plants in which some have medicinal uses. The aim of this study is to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the phytochemical composition of G. latifolium leaf extract. Fresh and healthy leaves of the medicinal plant of G. latifolium leaf were harvested, washed thoroughly in distilled water and dried at room temperature for 7 days. The dried leaf was milled to fine powder. The pulverized plant was weighed and used for the phytochemical analysis. Based on qualitative analysis, the results show the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, reducing sugar, cardiac glycoside, protein and carbohydrate, while steroids was absent. The quantitative analysis of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and tannins were done and the results obtained were expressed as a mean± SEM in each group, analysed using ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test P<0.05 considered as significant. The quantitative analysis revealed that alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and tannins had mean results of 9.85±1.50, 9.66±0.77, 6.83±6.25 and 4.54±6.70 mg/100mg respectively. This result shows that G. latifolium leaf extract possesses an appreciable level of phytochemicals which contributed to its efficacy in the treatment of diseases such as helminthiasis.