Analysis of the phytoconstituents of chromolaena odorata leaves and its bioactivities against some clinical and plant pathogens

Abstract

Medicinal plants have been a source of therapeutic agents for man for centuries now. As a result of resistance to current medicines, there has been a renaissance of interest in research for novel molecules to treat both emergent and existing illnesses. In contributing to this search, this study aimed at examining the phytoconstituents of Chromolaena odorata leaves and its bioactivities against some plant and clinical pathogens. Using the Soxhlet equipment, this powdered plant component was extracted with n-hexane. Using conventional methods, the crude extract was tested qualitatively and quantitatively for the presence or absence of different secondary metabolites. The results show the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, triterpenoids and cardiac glycoside. The quantitative screening shows that tannins recorded the highest concentration (41.92ppm), followed by alkaloid (Epihedrine) 40.95 ppm, flavonoids such as resveratrol (40.33 ppm) and flavan-3-ol (40.33 ppm) were detected in the plant sample. The results also showed a high sensitivity of the pathogens against the extract. This present study has served as evidence for the ethnomedical claims of the use of the plant for the treatment of various ailments. Thus, it is a useful precursor for drug discovery