Phytochemical Screening, GC-MS Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of CurcurbitapepoL. usingIts Leaf Sample

Abstract

This study evaluated the phytochemical screening, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and antioxidant activity of Curcurbitapepo L. using its leaf sample with standard methods. The sample used for the study was procured from Imo State University school farm and was properly identified. Result of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of  saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, phlobactannins, proteins, and anthraquinnones, while the GC-MS analysis revealed a total of 78 compounds, out which Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (C24H38O4) had the highest molecular weight, 2,4,6-Octatriene, 2,6-dimethyl- (C10H16) had the highest peak area of 10.21% while Morphinan-6-ol, 4,5-epoxy-N-methyl-, (5α 6α- (C17H21NO2) had the highest retention time. The antioxidant activity of the studied sample was enhanced against the control. Some of the compounds as revealed by GC-MS analysis could be of healthcare or industrial importance.  There is need for further studies on the leaf sample to ascertain further the observations of the present study. This study has evaluated the phytochemical screening, GC-MS analysis and antioxidant activity of C.pepo L. using its leaf sample.