Qualitative Phytochemical Screening of Bologi (Senecio biafrae) and Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) Leaves

Abstract

The Phytochemical screening of Senecio biafrae and Vernonia amygdalina showed the presence of saponins,tanins, phlobataninss, phenol,anthraquinones, flavonoids, glycoside, steroids, terpens, cardenolides, chalcones,quinones and terpenoids; fixed oil was also determined. The phytochemical screening was carried out using standard reference methods. The aqueous extract and crude extract of the leafy vegetables showed positive results in both solvents used for the extractions. Saponins, flavonoids, steroids and phenol were highly present in both extractions for Senecio biafrae while steroids, terpenoids and quinines were highly present in both extractions for Vernonia amygdalina. However, steroid were highly present in both extracts, meanwhile flavonoid were highly present in Senecio biafrae extract (aqueous extraction) but moderately present in Vernonia amygdalina extract (crude extraction). The presence of high secondary metabolites in these plants are good indication that if the two plants are subjected for further research and characterization, bioactive compounds with strong medicinal activities may be identified and isolated, chemical active compounds may also be discovered.