Phytochemical Screening and Quantitative Evaluation of Selected Medicinal Plants in Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study conducted a comprehensive phytochemical screening and quantitative evaluation of five selected medicinal plants (Euphorbia hirta, Adansonia digitata, Azadirachta indica, Carica papaya, and Vernonia amygdalina) in Mubi North Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The research employed both qualitative and quantitative analytical methods to identify and measure bioactive compounds in ethanolic and aqueous extracts of these plants, which are widely used in traditional medicine in the region. Qualitative screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolics, terpenoids, glycosides, and carotenoids in all plants, the ethanolic extracts exhibiting broader phytochemical profiles than aqueous extracts. Quantitation using HPLC demonstrated that Vernonia amygdalina possessed the highest overall concentration of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolics (921.02 ± 9.21 mg/100g), tannins (819.00 ± 8.18 mg/100g), and flavonoids (496.00 ± 49.60 mg/100g) in its ethanolic extract. Azadirachta indica also showed high concentrations of phenolics (827.00 ± 8.27 mg/100g) and tannins (580.2 ± 5.08 mg/100g). Statistical analysis confirmed significant variations (p < 0.05) in phytochemical concentrations among plant species and between solvent types, with ethanolic extracts consistently yielding higher concentrations than aqueous extracts. These findings provide scientific validation for the traditional medicinal uses of these plants in Mubi North and highlight their potential for pharmaceutical uses, particularly as sources of antioxidants, antimicrobials, and antiinflammatory agents. The study recommends further pharmacological investigations, toxicity studies, and conservation efforts for these valuable medicinal plant resources.