Investigation of Theoretical Phytochemical Affinity between Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Nees and Vernonia amygdalina Del. as Antidiabetic Plants

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus has intensified the search for effective and affordable plant-based treatments. Among the plants used to manage the disease, King of Bitters (Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Nees) and Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Del.) are prominent. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical affinity between Andrographis paniculata and Vernonia amygdalina because both plants are used in diabetes management. Study Design: A quantitative correlational research design was used. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Research Laboratory of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria, between July and November 2025. Methodology: Specimens of both plants were collected and scientifically identified, and their leaves were air-dried at room temperature for 14 days. The dried leaf samples were pulverised into fine particles, and their phytochemicals were extracted using hexane. The resulting leaf extracts were concentrated and analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the chemical constituents and their concentrations. Results: Andrographis paniculata contained higher concentrations of alkaloids (3.633±1.330 versus 2.054±0.099 mg/100 g), glycosides (3.523±0.715 versus 1.073±0.125 mg/100 g), flavonoids (75.658±4.577 versus 21.040±1.286 mg/100 g), phenolics (188.846±38.449 versus 57.046±6.838 mg/100 g), and chlorophyll (2424.17±487.03 versus 735.08±85.37 µg/g) than V. amygdalina. Nine of the ten detected carotenoids were also higher in A. paniculata. Pearson coefficients ranged from 0.8748 to 1.0000. Conclusion: The findings showed that the two plants had similar phytochemical constituents but differed in their concentrations. The shared patterns in their chemical profiles indicate phytochemical affinity between Andrographis paniculata and Vernonia amygdalina. Further studies are required to validate the activities of their bioactive compounds for pharmacological applications.