Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity Screening of Extracts from the Leaf of Emilia coccinea (SIMS) G.don

Abstract

Okenwa Uchenna Igwe and Ugochukwu Clinton Akwada

Emilia coccinea (Sims) G.Don, is widely used in folkloric medicine for the treatment of tumors, inflammation, cough, rheumatism, fever, dysentery, wounds and in the prevention of some health challenges. However, little is known of their actual phytochemical content concerning their various medicinal and pharmaceutical applications. In this study, preliminary and quantitative phytochemical properties of E. coccinea leaves were evaluated using recommended analytical procedures. The results obtained indicated the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids (0.57 ± 0.01), alkaloids (3.87 ± 0.02), tannins (0.15 ± 0.01), saponins (0.39 ± 0.02) and phenols (0.43 ± 0.01). The high concentration of alkaloids and moderate concentration of other phytochemicals proved that E. coccinea extract has some potential for pharmaceutical applications. E. coccinea leaves extract also exhibited significant antioxidant activity at a minimum and maximum concentrations of 2.0 and 12.0 mg/ml respectively (compared to the ascorbic acid used as a standard free scavenger). The component identified in the plant has established literature on its medicinal and physiological associated benefits.