Phytochemical Profile and Bioactive Compounds in Aqueous Leaf Extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Asteraceae): A GC-MS Analysis
Okari Karibo Amakiri *
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Ezekwe Ahamefula Sunday
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Wokocha Peter Gift
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The identification of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants provides valuable insights into their therapeutic potential, especially for chronic diseases like diabetes. This study conducted a comprehensive Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to characterize the phytochemical profile of the aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina, a plant widely utilized in traditional medicine across West Africa. GC-MS analysis identified key bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and sesquiterpenes, known for their anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These phytochemicals are associated with glucose regulation, oxidative stress reduction, and improved liver and kidney function markers. However, the semi-quantitative analysis based on peak area percentages highlights the need for more rigorous quantification methods. Furthermore, the absence of preclinical and clinical trials, along with a lack of toxicity data, limits the full assessment of its therapeutic potential. The results emphasize the need for safety and efficacy studies to support Vernonia amygdalina’s development as a therapeutic agent for diabetes management.
Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina, GC-MS, bioactive compounds, aqueous extract, diabetes