Phytochemical and Antioxidant Analysis of the Chloroform Extract of Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) Flower

Abstract

 The phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of the chloroform extract (CBL) of the flower of Vernonia amygdalina were investigated. The flower samples were collected, air-dried, and subjected to sequential extraction using n-hexane followed by chloroform. The chloroform extract was obtained with a percentage yield of 0.576%. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, and glycosides, while tannins and saponins were absent. The chemical profile of the extract was further evaluated using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), which revealed 5 to 8 distinct phytochemical spots depending on the solvent system employed. The best resolution was obtained using chloroform:n-hexane (3:1), yielding eight spots with Rf values ranging from 0.01 to 0.90, indicating the presence of compounds with varying polarities. The antioxidant activity of CBL was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The extract exhibited a concentration-dependent increase in antioxidant activity, with the highest inhibition observed at the highest concentration tested (0.4 mg/mL), while the lowest activity was recorded at the most diluted concentration (0.025 mg/mL). This confirms a strong dose-dependent free radical scavenging potential. Overall, the results demonstrate that the chloroform extract of Vernonia amygdalina flower contains diverse bioactive phytochemicals and exhibits significant antioxidant activity, supporting its potential application in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development.

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