Phytomedicinal and Nutraceutical Benefits of the GC-FID Quantified Phytocomponents of the Aqueous Extract of Azadirachta indica leaves

Author(s): Kenneth Chinedu Ugoeze, Kennedy Emeka Oluigbo, Bruno Chukwuemeka Chinko

Abstract
Background: The continued human disruptive exploitation of the ecosystem has given room to sustained health hazard due to saturated environmental free radicals culminating in the emergence of disease states borne out of low immune systems and damaged body cells orchestrated by environmental free radicals causing the diminished quality of life and life-span. Health system approach to therapy exploiting and utilizing the rich antioxidants and other useful phytocontituents of plant origin as free radical scavengers will go a long way to boost the quality of life and immune system as well as lessen morbidity and mortality rates.

Aim: The present study aimed to quantify the phytocomponents of the aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica leaves and highlighting their phytomedicinal and nutraceutical benefits.

Materials and Methods: Aqueous extract was obtained from 100 g of powdered air-dried leaves of Azadirachta indica. Its phytochemical constituents were identified and quantified using gas chromatographic device fitted with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID).

Results: Lunamarin, an alkaloid was at the highest level followed by sapogenin, a saponin. Various flavonoids ranked third, then the phenols. Though, several phytochemicals such as the steroids, phytate, oxalate, tannins and resveratrol were also identified and quantified. Over 35% of the phytochemicals identified were of the flavonoids.

Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica leaves contains very essentials phytochemicals with useful phytomedicinal and nutraceutical benefits.

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