COMPARATIVE QUANTITATIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF Gongronema latifolium AND Allium sativum

Project Abstract

This research project aimed to conduct a comparative quantitative phytochemical analysis of the ethanol extract of Gongronema latifolium (Utazi) and Allium sativum (Garlic). The study utilized standard methods to quantify the phytochemical constituents present in the two plant extracts. The phytochemical screening involved the assessment of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and phenols. The quantitative analysis was carried out to determine the concentrations of these phytochemicals in the ethanol extracts of the two plants. The results of the study indicated that both Gongronema latifolium and Allium sativum extracts contained significant levels of phytochemicals. However, the quantitative analysis revealed variations in the concentrations of specific phytochemicals between the two plant extracts. Gongronema latifolium extract exhibited higher concentrations of alkaloids and flavonoids compared to Allium sativum extract. On the other hand, Allium sativum extract showed higher levels of tannins, saponins, and terpenoids than Gongronema latifolium extract. Both plant extracts demonstrated considerable concentrations of phenols, although the levels were slightly higher in the Allium sativum extract. The comparative analysis of the phytochemical profiles of Gongronema latifolium and Allium sativum provides valuable insights into the chemical composition of these medicinal plants. The differences in phytochemical concentrations between the two extracts suggest unique bioactive properties that may contribute to their therapeutic effects. Understanding the quantitative composition of phytochemicals in these plant extracts is crucial for elucidating their potential pharmacological activities and health benefits. Overall, this comparative quantitative phytochemical analysis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the chemical constituents of Gongronema latifolium and Allium sativum. The findings underscore the importance of exploring the diverse phytochemical profiles of medicinal plants to harness their therapeutic potential for various health applications. Future research may focus on further characterizing the bioactive compounds identified in these plant extracts and investigating their specific biological activities and mechanisms of action.

Project Overview

<p> </p><p><strong>1.1</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<strong>Background of the study</strong></p><p>The tropical rainforest is the most biologically varying ecosystem on earth and it is enriched with enormous natural plant resources with rich dietary and medicinal properties utilized locally in folkloric medicine (Dalziel, 1937). Although modern medicine may be available in developing countries, the use of herbs in treatment of diseases has often gained popularity for historical and cultural reasons (Nwangwu <em>et al., </em>2009), making traditional medicine an unavoidable global discuss. The use of medicinal plants is one of the primary complementary advances to medicine in many parts of the world (American Society for Testing and Materials, 2001). The presence of wide range of bioactive phytochemicals and secondary metabolites has made plants promising source of modern synthetic drugs for management of several diseases. One of the basic principles of medicinal herbs is that all constituents in the whole plant extract work collectively to achieve therapeutic efficacy (WHO, 1996). The use of plant extracts in treatment and prevention of diseases have shown a comprehensive framework of healing by stimulating the body’s own innate healing capacities in a manner that is safe and effective (Tietz, 1976).</p><p><em>Gongronema latifolium</em>&nbsp;is commonly called Utazi in the south eastern and Arokeke in the south western parts of Nigeria. It is used as vegetable in the preparation of many African dishes. In traditional folk medicine, the leaf is used for treatment of diabetes and hypertension as well as for treatment of typhoid fever (Okafor, 1987). It is also used to dispel stomach upset and pains and to enhance the return of menstrual cycle. <em>Gongronema latifolium </em>is primarily used as a staple vegetable/spice by some African cultures to help support the pancreas (Morebise <em>et al</em>., 2002). The hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycaemic properties of the ethanolic stem extract of <em>Gongronema latifolium </em>have been articulated in a review by (Farombi, 2003).</p><p>Garlic, <em>Allium sativum L</em>. is a member of the Alliaceae family, has been widely recognized as a valuable spice and a popular remedy for various ailments and physiological disorders. Cultivated practically throughout the world, garlic appears to have originated in central Asia and then spread to China, the Near East, and the Mediterranean region before moving west to Central and Southern Europe, Northern Africa (Egypt) and Mexico (Lutomski, 1987). Chinese strongly believe that garlic prolongs longevity (Srivastava <em>et al.</em>, 1995) and is useful in treating most human diseases, including infections, cancer and heart diseases.</p><p><strong>1.2 &nbsp; &nbsp; Statement of the Problem</strong></p><p>This research investigate the comparative quantitative phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extracts of <em>Gongronema latifolium</em>&nbsp;and <em>Allium sativum</em></p><p><strong>1.3 &nbsp; &nbsp; Aim and Objectives</strong></p><p>The aim of this research work is to determine the comparative quantitative phytochemical analysis of ethanol extracts of <em>Gongronema latifolium</em>&nbsp;and <em>Allium sativum</em>.</p><p><strong>The objectives of this study include:</strong></p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; To investigate the phytochemical properties of <em>G. latifolium </em>only</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; To investigate the phytochemical properties of <em>A. sativum </em>only</p><p>&nbsp; &nbsp; To compare the quantitative phtytochemical of <em>G. latifolium</em>&nbsp;and <em>A. sativum </em>so as to justify its African ethnomedicinal use.</p><p><strong>1.4 &nbsp; &nbsp; Significance of the Study</strong></p><p><em>Gongronema latifollium </em>plant is by herbalist in Nigerian folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (Sakihama et al., 2002; Ugochwukwu et al., 2003 Edet etal., 2011). Also, a number of researchers have been carried out on the biological activity of the leaf extract of <em>Gongronema latifolium</em>. Ugochukwu et al. (2003) reported that the leaf extract of <em>Gongronema latifolium</em>&nbsp;is used for the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NNDM), investigated in the NIDDM-induced rats. Morebise et al. (2002); sakihama et al., (2002). Recent studies indicate that garlic extract has antimicrobial activity against many genera of bacteria, fungi and viruses. The role of garlic in preventing cardiovascular disease has been acclaimed by several authors. Chemical constituents of garlic have been investigated for treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, platelet aggregation and blood fibrinolytic activity. Thus, will support it continued usage in nutrition, treatment and management of diseases<strong><em>.</em></strong></p><p><strong>1.5 &nbsp; &nbsp; Justification of the Study</strong></p><p>Evaluation of plant products to treat diabetes mellitus is of growing interest as they contain many bioactive substances with therapeutic potential. In recent years, several authors evaluated and identified the ant-diabetic potential of <em>Gongronema latifolium</em>. A claim by herbalist proves that that <em>Gongronema latifolium</em>&nbsp;have been used to reduce blood sugar levels of diabetic mellitus patients. Also the study b Edet et al., (2011), which showed treatment of diabetes mellitus justify this investigation. Therefore, this study will identify the fractions of the plant that has more phytochemical properties.</p><p><strong>1.6 &nbsp; &nbsp; Scope of the Study</strong></p><p>This research work was specifically limited to the following;</p><p>Ø The preparation of the ethanolic extract of <em>Gongronema latifolium</em>&nbsp; </p><p>Ø The preparation of the ethanolic extract of &nbsp;<em>Allium sativum</em></p><p>Ø Analysis of the phytochemical property of <em>Allium sativum</em></p><p>Ø Analysis of the phytochemical property of <em>Gongronema latifolium</em></p><p><strong>1.7 &nbsp; &nbsp; Research Hypothesis</strong></p><p><strong>Null Hypothesis:</strong>&nbsp;There is no significant effect in the &nbsp;comparative quantitative phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extracts of <em>Gongronema latifolium</em>&nbsp;and <em>Allium sativum</em></p><p><strong>Alternative Hypothesis: </strong>there is a significant effect effect in the comparative quantitative phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extracts of <em>Gongronema latifolium</em>&nbsp;and <em>Allium sativum</em></p> <br><p></p>