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
Metabolite Profiling of Balinese Grape (Vitis vinifera L. Var. Alphonso Lavallee) Kombucha: GC-MS Analysis
Ida Ayu Manik Damayanti, Nadya Treesna Wulansari, Ni Wayan Kesari Dharmapatni, Ni Wayan Sukma Antari
Balinese grape (Vitis vinifera L. var. Alphonso Lavallee) is a local grape variety containing various phytochemical constituents. Fermentation into kombucha using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) may alter the chemical composition of the substrate through microbial metabolic activity. This study aimed to characterize the metabolite profile of Balinese grape kombucha using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS analysis detected several chemical constituents, including fatty acid esters, alkaloids, and terpenoid hydrocarbons. The major compounds identified based on mass spectral library matching were 9-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester (E)-, acetic acid n-octadecyl ester, caffeine, and 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22-tetracosahexaene, 2, 6, 10, 15, 19, 23-hexamethyl-, (all-E)-. These results describe the metabolite profile detected in the fermented sample and indicate changes in chemical composition following kombucha fermentation. The findings provide preliminary information on the chemical constituents of Balinese grape kombucha and may serve as a basis for further studies involving comparative analyses with unfermented substrates and confirmation of compound identities using complementary analytical approaches.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
17 Jul 20265 pages - research article
Identification and Characterization of Volatile Compounds in Antidesma bunius (Buni) Fruit Kombucha During Fermentation
Nadya Treesna Wulansari, Ni Wayan Kesari Dharmapatni, Ida Ayu Manik Damayanti, Ni Made Raningsih
Buni fruit (Antidesma bunius) is a fruit commonly found in tropical countries such as Indonesia. This fruit has the potential to be developed into kombucha tea because it contains beneficial bioactive compounds. However, the use of buni fruit as kombucha tea remains very limited and has not been studied in depth. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the volatile compounds in buni fruit kombucha using GC-MS. This study employed a descriptive experimental design to analyze the volatile compounds in buni fruit kombucha after 8 days of fermentation using GC-MS. Buni fruit kombucha fermented for 8 days produced a dark purple color. Based on the analysis of volatile compounds, buni fruit kombucha was identified as containing 30 volatile compounds. The dominant compounds were hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, (E)-9-octadecenoic acid ethyl ester, octadecanoic acid ethyl ester, eicosanoic acid ester, and docosahexaenoic acid methyl ester, which are classified as fatty acid esters and lipids. Additionally, the identified alcohol compounds are patchouli alcohol and 13-tetradecen-11-yn-1-ol. Buni fruit kombucha tea undergoes chemical transformations characterized by the formation of volatile compounds such as esters, alcohols, and fatty acid derivatives as a result of microbial metabolic activity. The profile of the resulting compounds highlights the important role of biotransformation during fermentation in shaping the sensory characteristics and bioactive potential of kombucha tea.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
4 Jul 20267 pages - research article
Phytochemical Profiling with Biological Validation Reveals Therapeutic Effect of Vincetoxicum capparidifolium
Athira Prameela, Thenmozhi Krishnasamy
The present research discusses the phytochemical composition, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antiproliferative efficacy of Vincetoxicum capparidifolium leaf aqueous extract. Phytochemical characterization was performed using FTIR and LC-MS analysis. Network pharmacology was employed to identify potential molecular targets of tylophorine associated with liver associated disorders, followed by molecular docking studies. Anti-inflammatory activity and antidiabetic potential was evaluated in vitro. Cytotoxic outcomes were determined using MTT assay on HepG2 cells, along with AO/EtBr staining and DNA fragmentation analysis. FTIR investigation disclosed the occurrence of various functional groups, incorporating hydroxyl, amine, aromatic, and heteroatom-containing moieties. LC-MS profiling categorized a total of 28 compounds belonging to alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and fatty acid derivatives. Network pharmacology analysis identified 94 intersecting targets of tylophorine with liver inflammation, diabetic liver disease, and end-stage liver disease, while molecular docking showed binding affinities of tylophorine with proteins, presenting the strongest interaction with 3HHM (-8.9 kcal mol-1). The extract produced concentration-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation (9.5-68.0%), proteolytic activity (10.3-71.7%), and erythrocyte lysis (10.6-70.2%) although its activity was lower than the reference drug, aspirin. The extract also displayed inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with greater potency against α-glucosidase (IC50=99.6 µg mL-1). The cytotoxic activity evaluated using MTT assay supported reduction in HepG2 cell viability (IC50=168 µg mL-1). AO/EtBr staining revealed increased apoptotic features, including membrane damage and nuclear condensation, while DNA fragmentation analysis verified apoptosis-mediated cell death. Overall, V. capparidifolium exhibits notable in vitro anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic potential, highlighting its potential as a source of bioactive compounds for further pharmacological investigations.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
11 Jul 202617 pages - research article
Computational Assessment of Plant-Derived Alkaloids for Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Properties
Abhinav Maniyeri, Karthika Krishnamoorthy
The demand for efficient antiviral treatments that go beyond traditional treatment, whose effectiveness may be compromised by viral changes and documented adverse effects following immunization, has increased due to the quick and ongoing introduction of SARS-CoV-2 variations. In this regard, a potential class of natural chemicals for SARS-CoV-2 medication development is plant-derived alkaloids, which are known for their broad-spectrum antiviral qualities. This research employs network pharmacology, gene ontology, and molecular docking to find effective alkaloid candidates that can target conserved viral proteins across SARS-CoV-2 variations. 5 bioactive alkaloids were screened against three key coronavirus proteins—2AJF (spike RBD–ACE2 complex), 2DD8 (spike RBD-neutralizing antibody complex), and 2J98 (replication-associated nsp9 protein). Binding affinities ranged from -6.0 to -11.3 kcal/mol, with Manzamine A emerging as the strongest inhibitor across all targets (2AJF: -11.3, 2DD8: -10.0, 2J98: -9.1 kcal/mol). Its stable hydrogen-bonding network and interactions with key amino acids suggest strong potential to disrupt viral entry, immune evasion mechanisms, and replication processes. Network pharmacology revealed 5, 272 SARS-CoV-2 associated genes, of which 51 overlapped with alkaloid-related targets. Venn analysis identified 6 shared genes, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction highlighted critical hub regulators like MTOR, AKT1, STAT3, SYK, CASP3, and JAK2 implicated in immune modulation, apoptosis, inflammation, and viral pathogenicity. The combined computational approach identifies Manzamine A as a promising natural scaffold for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug development. Experimental validation through in vitro, in vivo, MD simulation and pharmacokinetic research is still necessary to show clinical application, even though the results provide insightful information for future therapeutic design.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
12 Jul 202613 pages - research article
Optimization of Extraction Conditions and Kinetics of Antioxidant Compounds from Polyalthia longifolia Leaves
Poro David Clark
This study aimed to optimize phenolic antioxidant extraction from Polyalthia longifolia leaves using hot maceration with 70% ethanol and to characterize the extraction kinetics under optimal conditions. Response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effects of extraction time and temperature on extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Both factors significantly influenced all responses, with the extraction yield and TPC increasing progressively with temperature and time. FRAP, however, exhibited a dome-shaped response, peaking at intermediate temperatures before declining under prolonged high-temperature conditions, consistent with the thermal degradation of heat-labile antioxidants. The highest phenolic recovery and antioxidant activity were achieved at the upper boundary of the experimental domain, suggesting that the true optimum may lie beyond the conditions tested. Kinetic analysis further revealed that antioxidant-active compounds were mobilized faster than the bulk extractable mass, with implications for reducing extraction time and energy consumption at scale. These findings provide a statistically guided and kinetically informed foundation for the valorization of Polyalthia longifolia leaves, supporting future process optimization across broader solvent systems and extraction techniques for functional food and nutraceutical applications.
Sciences of Phytochemistry
9 Jul 202611 pages