Sciences of Phytochemistry
Volume 4 Issue 1
Showing 8 Articles
RESEARCH ARTICLE
- research article
Phytochemistry and GCMS Analysis of Ethanol and Aqueous Stembark Extracts of Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. Fabaceae
Mubarak Muhammad Dahiru, Neksumi Musa, Enoch Buba Badgal
The therapeutic applications of medicinal plants in the treatment of various diseases can be attributed to their diverse phytochemical constituents. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of aqueous and ethanol stem bark extracts of Detarium microcarpum. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted to determine the presence and concentrations of phytochemicals, followed by the identification of phytoconstituents using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The aqueous extract was found to contain saponins (27.11 ± 0.22%) and flavonoids (47.33 ± 0.70% ), with alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, and terpenoids absent. In contrast, the ethanol extract contained alkaloids (10.78 ± 0.59%), saponins (45.11 ± 0.48%), glycosides (5.44 ± 0.48%), and flavonoids (11.00 ± 0.77%), while steroids and terpenoids were not detected. GC-MS analysis revealed 14 compounds in the aqueous extract and 20 in the ethanol extract. The major constituents of the aqueous extract included hydroperoxide, 1,4-dioxan-2-yl (58.32%), 1,2,3-benzenetriol (16.44%), and cis-p-coumaric acid (11.05%). In the ethanol extract, the predominant compounds were coumarin (29.41%), benzofuran (17.23%), and catechol (9.23%). The identified compounds may serve as potential synthetic templates for the development of novel therapeutic agents targeting various diseases. This study supports the ethnomedicinal use of D. microcarpum and provides a scientific basis for its role in traditional medical practices.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
9 Jan 202511 pages - research article
GC-MS Profiling, In Vitro Antimalarial, and Antimicrobial activity of Ricinodendron heudelotii Seed Extracts
Vincent Oghenerobo Imieje, Lilian Nneoma Amafili
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum strains resistant to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) exacerbates the situation. This underscores the urgent need to identify novel, less toxic antimalarial compounds, particularly from natural sources. This study evaluated the in vitro antimalarial and antimicrobial activities of Ricinodendron heudelotii (RHD) seed extracts against Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) and select pathogenic microorganisms using standard protocols. Seeds (250 g) were dried, ground, and extracted with n-hexane and dichloromethane, yielding RHD-HEX and RHD-DCM extracts, respectively. The oily extract (RHD-HEX) was analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), revealing 26 phytoconstituents, including monoterpenes, fatty acids, and phytosterols. Antimalarial assays showed that RHD-HEX and RHD-DCM exhibited moderate activity (> 200 µg/mL) against the chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum (D6 strain). Both extracts demonstrated stronger activity against the chloroquine-resistant W2 strain, with IC50 values of 30.29 and 33.48 µg/mL, respectively. Antimicrobial screening indicated moderate activity against tested pathogenic fungi and bacteria (IC50 > 200 µg/mL) compared to fluconazole and cefotaxime controls. Cytotoxicity against VERO cell lines was also assessed. The findings suggest that the phytoconstituents in RHD extracts may contribute to the observed antimalarial and antimicrobial effects, warranting further investigation.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
9 Jan 20258 pages - research article
In Vitro Bactericidal Activity of Bacopa Monnieri Leaf Extracts on Human Pathogenic Bacteria
Subba Tata Sape
The increasing resistance of bacteria to conventional antibiotics poses a global health challenge, emphasizing the urgent need to discover new antibacterial compounds to combat hard-to-treat infections. This study aims to evaluate the bactericidal activity of crude leaf extracts from the multi-medicinal plant Bacopa monnieri against six bacterial strains. The crude extracts, prepared at different concentrations (100, 200, and 300 µg/mL), were tested for efficacy using the agar well diffusion method. Among the tested extracts, the ethanol extract exhibited the highest bactericidal activity, followed by chloroform and hexane extracts. Notably, all three solvent extracts at 300 µg/mL were most effective against Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition zones of 21.5 mm (ethanol), 16.12 mm (chloroform), and 10.3 mm (hexane). In contrast, the lowest antibacterial activity was observed against Proteus vulgaris, with inhibition zones of 15.3 mm (ethanol), 10.2 mm (chloroform), and 5.6 mm (hexane). These findings suggest that the ethanol extract of B. monnieri is a promising candidate for the development of novel antibacterial compounds.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
10 Feb 20256 pages 
research articlePhenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Colocasia esculenta in Commercial Herbal Products
Gumilar Adhi Nugroho, Yesi Desmiaty, Yati Sumiyati, Sandra Loretta Suherman, Helsa Lim
Taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) is a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine in several countries worldwide. The corm of taro and two commercial products were analysed due to total phenolic, flavonoid, luteolin, and antioxidant properties. Taro corm was extracted with water and analysed for phytochemical screening, total flavonoids, total phenolic, luteolin, and antioxidant properties. The phytochemical screening of taro showed that it contains secondary metabolites of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, triterpenoids, and quinones. The results of the determination of total flavonoid content of taro extract, Product 1, and Product 2 capsule obtained 19.34 ± 0.26 mg QE/g extract, 18.58 ± 0.18 mg QE/g extract, and 16.29 ± 0.23 mg QE/g extract. The results of determining the total phenolic content of taro, Product 1, and Product 2 capsules obtained 39.75 ± 0.95 mg GAE/g extract, 38.46 ± 0.46 mg GAE/g extract, and 35.91 mg GAE/g extract. ± 0.82 mg GAE/g extract. The results of the determination of luteolin from taro, Product 1, and Product 2 capsules obtained 0.83 ± 0.05 %, 0.39 ± 0.04 %, and 0.18 ± 0.08 %. The results of the antioxidant activity test obtained IC50 of vitamin C of 4.6780 ± 0.0319 ppm, corm dry extract and ginger rhizome 141.2383 ± 3.4995 ppm and 97.6685 ± 7.8760 ppm, respectively, and capsule products 2; 126.0724 ± 1.3672 ppm. The water extract of corm and available products containing CE extract have met the quality standard parameters required for non-specific parameters, luteolin content, and antioxidant properties.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
14 Mar 20257 pages
research articleAntimicrobial Activity of Triterpenoid and Steroidal Cinnamates from Vitellaria paradoxa
Olusesan Ojo, Mokgadi P. Mphahlele, Edwin M. Mmutlane, Derek T. Ndinteh
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a global threat to human health, and its recent burden has necessitated an urgent need for new antibiotics to fight the growing negative impacts of AMR. Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn. is a medicinal plant used to treat bacterial infections, including diarrhea, tuberculosis (TB), and other respiratory infections in Africa. This study, therefore, assessed the antimicrobial effect and the cytotoxicity of isolated secondary metabolites from the hexane extract of V. paradoxa stem-bark against a panel of bacterial pathogens. After cold maceration, the resulting extract was purified using column chromatography on silica gel. The resazurin-based 96-well plate micro-dilution method was used to assess the antimicrobial activity of the isolated compounds. On further assay, the MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of compounds on the cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). The column fractionation led to the isolation of 11-hydroxy β-amyrin cinnamate (compound 1), α-amyrin cinnamate (compound 2), and sitosterol cinnamate (compound 3). All the compounds exhibited antibacterial activity against the tested pathogens, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 0.0625-1.0 mg/mL. Compound 3 showed the highest antibacterial activity against all bacterial strains (MICs; 0.0625-0.25 mg/mL). The compounds showed no remarkable cytotoxic properties (IC₅₀; 77.82 ± 10.5-82.53 ± 4.07). As far as we know, the results described the antimicrobial activities of compounds 1-3 for the first time. These results provide scientific justification for the traditional uses of V. paradoxa in treating bacterial infections. The highest antibacterial effect of compound 3 highlights its potential as a lead compound.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
13 Mar 20257 pages- research article
Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Dissotis erecta (Guill. & Perr.) Dandy Flowers
Basil Nse Ita, Godwin Ndarake Enin, Itoro Esiet Udo
Dissotis erecta is a shrubby herb belonging to the Melastomataceae family, commonly found in Nigeria. It is widely recognized for its diverse ethnomedicinal applications, including treating edema, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and rheumatism. Alongside other plant parts, its flowers, rich in biologically active compounds, are valued for their aesthetic appeal and potential health benefits. This study assessed the antioxidant properties, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and bioactive contents of the methanolic extract of D. erecta flowers. The antioxidant properties were determined by the DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing activity, and metal chelating assay. The extract demonstrated strong DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, metal chelating ability, and reducing power, with IC50 values of 79.84 ± 0.64 µg/mL, 125.77 ± 2.64 µg/mL, 87.89 ± 0.91 µg/mL, and 71.71 ± 0.55 µg/mL, respectively. Phytocompounds such as alkaloids, sterols, and terpenoids were present in the flower extract, while phlobatanins and glycosides were absent. Total phenolic content was 57.47 ± 0.21 mg GAE/g, while total flavonoid content was 83.52 ± 0.31 mg QE/g. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis identified α-terpineol (86.53%), nerolidol (7.44%), campesterol (1.12%), and neocurdione (1.29%) as the predominant components. These findings indicate that D. erecta flowers contain a significant amount of phytocompounds with antioxidative properties that could potentially be useful in managing diseases related to oxidative stress.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
25 Apr 20259 pages - research article
Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Guiera Senegalensis in Murine Models
Umar Abdulkadir Hassan, Jalilah Ibrahim Tahir, Comfort Foluwake Akanji, Abdulmutalib Adamu, Albashir Tahir
Pain and inflammation are global public health challenges, often requiring safer and more effective treatments. Medicinal plants like Guiera senegalensis have been traditionally used for pain and inflammatory conditions, but scientific validation of their therapeutic potential is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ethanol leaf extract of G. senegalensis in murine models. Fresh G. senegalensis leaves were collected, authenticated, and subjected to ethanol extraction. Phytochemical analysis was conducted to identify bioactive compounds. Acute toxicity studies were performed following OECD guidelines. Analgesic effects were evaluated using the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the hot plate test, while the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the formalin-induced paw edema model. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, and flavonoids. Acute toxicity tests showed no mortality or severe adverse effects at 2000 mg/kg. The extract demonstrated dose-dependent analgesic activity, with 84% inhibition of writhing at doses of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, outperforming Diclofenac (59%). In the hot plate test, moderate central analgesic effects were observed. Anti-inflammatory tests showed significant reductions in paw edema at doses of 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, comparable to Diclofenac. Ethanol leaf extract of G. senegalensis exhibits significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, likely mediated by its flavonoid, saponin, and tannin content. These findings support its traditional use and highlight its potential as a natural alternative for managing pain and inflammation.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
25 Apr 20256 pages - research article
Phytochemical and Antiplasmodial Studies of Methanol Extract from Aerial Parts of Scadoxus multiflorus
Akeem Ayodele Olaiya, Tawakaltu Omolara Tijani, Dauda Garba, Sakynah Musa Abdullahi, Ibrahim Mohammed Sule
Scadoxus multiflorus, a fleshy herbaceous plant with a large bulb, is traditionally used in ethno-medicine for managing malaria, treating ulcers, cardiotonic activity and stimulant in debility. This study aimed to conduct phytochemical screening and evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of its aerial parts. The plant material was extracted with methanol using maceration process, and the crude extract was partitioned into hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol fractions. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, phenols, and cardiac glycosides in the crude extract and fractions. Quantitative analysis revealed that phenolic compounds were the most abundant in the crude extract (198.32 mg/g), while alkaloids were the least (51.14 mg/g). The n-hexane fraction, however, had the highest tannin content (215 mg/g). Acute toxicity testing, following OECD 2008 guidelines, showed that the median lethal dose (LD₅₀) was greater than 5000 mg/kg, indicating the extract's safety. Antiplasmodial activity was evaluated using both suppressive and curative models in Plasmodium berghei-infected albino mice. The extract at 1000 mg/kg significantly suppressed parasitemia by 58.8% in the early infection (suppressive test) and reduced parasitemia by 61.8% in the established infection (curative test). Chloroquine, the standard drug at 5 mg/kg, produced higher parasite suppression (84.52%) and curative effects (84.50%) compared to the extract. The results suggest that the methanol extract of S. multiflorus aerial parts possesses antiplasmodial activity, supporting its traditional use in malaria management.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
26 May 20257 pages
Journal Key Facts
Publishing Fee (APC)
No Charge
Open Access License
CC BY 4.0
Language
English
Overview
Sciences of Phytochemistry (Sci. Phytochem.) is an international, peer-reviewed journal published by ETFLIN, dedicated to advancing research in all aspects of phytochemistry and plant-derived bioactive compounds. The journal provides a platform for the dissemination of original research, reviews, and scientific communications that explore the chemistry, biological activities, and applications of natural products derived from plants. We welcome contributions that deepen the understanding of the chemical diversity of plants and their potential in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, agriculture, cosmetics, and environmental sustainability.
Latest Articles
Recently published research articles, review papers, and technical notes from the current volume of the journal.
- research article
Phytochemical Extraction from Mediterranean Plants: A Comparative Study of Traditional Techniques
Elodie Melro, Carolina F. Jesus, Tomás Duarte, Andreia A. S. Alves, Filipe E. Antunes, Margarida Lindo, Daniel Ribeiro
This comparative screening study investigated how solvent polarity and extraction technique influence the recovery of bioactive compounds from four Portuguese native plants: Geranium robertianum (herb Robert), Olea europaea (olive leaves), Salvia rosmarinus (rosemary) and Laurus nobilis (bay laurel). Maceration and Soxhlet extractions were performed using five solvents spanning a polarity range (methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and hexane), followed by colorimetric phytochemical screening and extraction-yield comparison; aqueous infusion and water-based Soxhlet extraction were also assessed. Among the organic solvents tested, methanol generally gave the highest extraction yields, whereas aqueous extraction showed species-dependent behavior; for example, infusion yields for olive leaves and rosemary ranged from approximately 26% to 34%, whereas water-based Soxhlet extraction of herb Robert exceeded 35%. Qualitative phytochemical assays indicated the broadest class-level detection in methanolic extracts, whereas tannins were not detected in ethanolic extracts and were only evidenced in bay laurel under less-polar conditions. GC–MS profiling of ethanolic extracts provided comparative species-dependent fingerprints dominated by fatty acid derivatives and terpenoid-related compounds within the analytical window of the method, with Soxhlet generally enhancing late-eluting hydrophobic metabolites; rosemary was enriched in phenolic diterpenes, herb Robert and olive leaves showed a stronger contribution of carbohydrate-related compounds, and bay laurel displayed a comparatively simpler lipid/terpenoid profile. These results provide a preliminary n exploratory comparative framework for future studies on extraction-condition selection basis for selecting extraction conditions according to plant matrix and analytical purpose.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
14 May 202612 pages - research article
Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Acetone Extract of Green Coffee Beans: An In Vitro Assay
Chimezie Alexdaniel Chukwuemeka, Chukwudi Jude Ofoegbu, Nnaemeka Promise Amadi
This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential of the acetone extract of green coffee beans (Coffea excelsa) using in vitro assays. The extract was assessed for its ability to inhibit protein denaturation and stabilize biological membranes using heat-induced hemolysis of human erythrocytes as a model. The extract exhibited an overall increase in inhibitory effect across the tested concentrations in both assays. In the protein denaturation assay, percentage inhibition increased from 13.10% at 100 µg/mL to 70.45% at 1000 µg/mL, with an IC₅₀ value of 249.8 µg/mL. Similarly, in the membrane stabilization assay, inhibition ranged from 21.16% to 62.06% across the same concentration range, with an IC₅₀ value of 391.6 µg/mL. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test indicated that all tested concentrations produced significant effects compared to the control (p < 0.0001). IC₅₀ values were determined using nonlinear regression analysis (n = 3). Although the extract showed lower activity compared with acetylsalicylic acid, it demonstrated moderate anti-inflammatory activity. These effects may be associated with the presence of bioactive compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids; however, this cannot be confirmed since no phytochemical analysis was conducted in this study. Overall, these results indicate that the acetone extract of green coffee beans possesses measurable anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, suggesting that it may serve as a potential source of bioactive compounds for further investigation. Further studies, including phytochemical characterization and in vivo evaluations, are required to validate these findings.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
21 Apr 20267 pages - research article
Comprehensive phytochemical profiling and in-silico evaluation of endemic medicinal plant Symplocos obtusa
J. Malavika, K. Thenmozhi
Symplocos obtusa Wall. Ex G. Don. (Symplocaceae) is an endemic medicinal plant whose pharmacological potential remains largely uncharacterized. This study utilized integrated in vitro and in silico methodologies to establish a comprehensive phytochemical and therapeutic profile of its ethanolic leaf extract. Initial screening revealed a significant extractive yield of 6.0%, with substantial concentrations of total phenolics (4.30 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g), tannins (2.91 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g), and flavonoids (71.15 ± 0.86 mg RE/g). Structural characterization via FTIR spectroscopy confirmed diverse functional groups, while GC-MS analysis identified 19 bioactive constituents with putative pharmacological relevance. The extract demonstrated potent antioxidant capacity across multiple benchmarks, yielding an IC50
IC_{50} IC50 of 26.55 ± 0.61 µg/mL in DPPH assays, alongside robust activity in ABTS (27.09 ± 0.11 µmol/g) and phosphomolybdenum (51.38 ± 0.08 mg/g) evaluations. Computational in silico modeling further corroborated the safety and therapeutic viability of the identified compounds, predicting favorable drug-likeness and low toxicity profiles (Classes IV–VI). Collectively, these findings validate S. obtusa as a prolific reservoir of bioactive secondary metabolites, supporting its development as a candidate for plant-derived drug discovery and antioxidant therapy.Sciences of Phytochemistry
20 May 202611 pages - research article
Formulation and Pharmaceutical Evaluation of Capsules Containing the n-Hexane Fraction of Moringa oleifera Leaves
Sylvester Nefai Mathias, Aliyu Hamidu Ahmed, Emmanuel Halilu Mshelia, Achor Mohammed, Chinenye Jane Ugwah-Oguejiofor, Mansur Lawal, Ibrahim Yusuf Alkali, Nkeiruka Nkeonyere Igbokwe, Cletus Anes Ukwubile, Ahmed Aminu Biambo
This study investigated the phytochemical composition, safety profile, and pharmaceutical formulation of capsules containing the hexane fraction of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOHx). The main objective of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the phytochemical constituents, toxicity profile, and develop a standardized oral capsule formulation of the hexane fraction of M. oleifera leaves suitable for potential therapeutic application. Phytochemical profiling was performed using LC–MS and GC–MS, and compounds were tentatively identified based on spectral library matching and fragmentation patterns. Selected phytochemicals were evaluated using in silico ADMET prediction and molecular docking analyses. Acute oral toxicity was assessed in Wistar rats using Lorke’s method. Pre-formulation studies were conducted prior to capsule formulation using the wet granulation technique. The granules were evaluated for micromeritic properties, and the capsules were subjected to pharmacopoeial quality tests including weight uniformity, disintegration, and dissolution. The estimated LD₅₀ of the extract was 3.808 mg/kg body weight, indicating relatively low acute toxicity. Dissolution testing showed more than 80% release within 20 min under the experimental conditions employed. These findings suggest that the developed capsule formulation provides a suitable pharmaceutical dosage form for the hexane fraction of M. oleifera, although further studies including stability testing, quantitative phytochemical standardization, and pharmacological evaluation are required.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
6 Apr 202617 pages - research article
Green-synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Cissus aralioides: Characterization, and Antimicrobial Potentials
Innocent Chukwujekwu Onunkwo, Mary Olire Edema, Christiana E. Ogwuche, Bamidele H. Akpeji
Antimicrobial resistance represents a critical global challenge due to microbial enzymes that neutralize antibiotic efficacy, prompting the use of nanotechnology to enhance the therapeutic potential of plant properties. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were biosynthesized using a methanol extract of Cissus aralioides leaves obtained through Soxhlet extraction. Characterization via UV-vis, FTIR, PXRD, SEM, EDX, and TEM revealed a maximum absorption at 398 nm, a bandgap energy of 3.12 eV, and a hexagonal wurtzite structure with an average particle size of 15.90 ± 2.81 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed essential chemical groups (C-H, C=O, O-H), while SEM and EDX showed rough surfaces with a predominant zinc content of 80.76%. The antimicrobial potential of these ZnONPs was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Candida albicans using the agar well diffusion method at concentrations of 100–400 mg/mL. Results demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with the highest sensitivity observed against S. aureus (24.0 ± 0.01 mm), followed by C. albicans, E. coli, and Aspergillus sp., and an estimated minimum inhibitory concentration of 100–300 mg/mL. Consequently, this research highlights the potential of green-synthesized ZnONPs as a viable alternative for managing pathogenic microorganisms.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
11 May 202613 pages