Qualitative Phytochemical Screening, GCMS Studies and In-Vitro Anti-Oxidative Properties of Aqeuous Leaf Extract of Gnetum africanum

Abstract

This study aimed at carrying out a qualitative phytochemical screening, GC-MS studies and in-vitro antioxidant properties of aqueous leaf extract of Gnetum africanum. The qualitative phytochemical screening of the aqueous leaf extract of Gnetum africanum was done using standard procedures and revealed the presence of terpenoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glucosides and phenols. The GC-MS screening revealed the presence of 14 compounds, 6 out of the 14 compounds were most prominent. The compound with the highest percentage peak area was caffeine with peak area of 96.9%, followed by n-Hexadacanotic acid with peak area of 60.9%, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol with peak area of 55.9%, tetradacanoic acid with peak area of 50.3%, cyclopentaneundecanoic acid with peak area of 47.8% and 2-cyclo-penten-1-2-hydroxy with peak area of 43.6% respectively. In-vitro determination of antioxidant property of leaf extract of Gnetum africanum was done photometrically using 2,2-dyhenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The DPPH scavenging ability of the leaf extract (43.2, 60.5, 68.8, and 75.7) was statistically significant at p<0.05 when compared with the standard drug ascorbic acid (81.1, 82.6, 85.1, and 90.4) % at 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/l. In conclusion, the leaf extract of Gnetum africanum is loaded with a host of important phytochemicals and has antioxidant properties which increase in potency with increase dose.
 Keywords: Phytochemical Screening, GCMS Studies, Anti-Oxidant, Gnetum africanum

Chemical Analysis of Gnetum africanum roots

“…Known as "eru" or "kok" in Cameroun, "koko" in Central Africa, "ntoumou" in Gabon, and "ukazi" or "afang" in Nigeria, this plant from the Gnataceae family has drawn attention for its diverse applications [1] [2]. Exploration of G. africanum has revealed a rich phytochemical composition in its leaves and seeds, including alkaloids, saponins, glucosides, and tannins, with documented anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and antioxidant properties [3][4] [5] [6]. Traditionally, the leaves have been employed for medicinal purposes, treating conditions such as enlarged spleen, piles, high blood pressure, and sore throats.…”

“…Traditionally, the leaves have been employed for medicinal purposes, treating conditions such as enlarged spleen, piles, high blood pressure, and sore throats. They have also served as antidotes to poison and snake bites, as enemas for constipation, and in the management of diabetes and fungal infections [1] [5].…”

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Gnetum africanum (Welw.) Germplasm Using DNA Barcoding Method

“…The rich diversity of the indigenous leafy vegetables of Nigeria has been documented by several researchers (Ezekwe et al, 2020;Nya and Eka, 2015;Ali et al, 2011;Adebooye et al, 2003;Okafor,1983;Okafor,1979) but there has been little or no work done on Gnetum africanum such as in-depth genetical and morphological characterization or controlled hybridization of the said plant species. It's obvious that taxonomic confusion, coupled with the limited knowledge regarding genetic and geographical differentiation of this plant species have limited domestication, conservation and utilization of Gnetum africanum.…”