Abstract

Vernonia amygdalina is a valuable medicinal plant that is widespread in West Africa. The aim of this research was to investigate and compare the phytochemical composition of V. amygdalina leaf and stem extracts collected from Delta and Edo States of Southern Nigeria. The results show the presence of alkaloids, which was observed in all local government areas of Delta and Edo State except Ovia South West LGA (Edo State), Burutu and Uvwie LGAs (Delta State). It was observed that Akoko Edo, Owan East and Egor of Edo State and Isoko North as well as Ughelli North of Delta State had high presence of alkaloids. Tannin was absent in Akoko Edo, Etsako East, Etsako West, Oredo, Owan East and Uhunmwonde of Edo State as well as Aniocha North, Bomadi, Okpe, Oshimili South, Uvwie, Warri South and Warri South West LGAs of Delta State. High presence of tannins was observed in Esan South East, Igueben and Ovia North East of Edo State as well as Ika South and Ughelli North of Delta State. Ika South, Ughelli South and Uvwie LGAs showed high presence of saponins while the absence of saponins was observed in Aniocha North, Burutu, Isoko South, Patani, Ughelli North, Warri North and Warri South West LGAs of Delta State. Flavonoids and phenols were highly present in Uhunmwonde LGA (Edo State), Ika South, Isoko South, Oshimili North, Patani and Sapele LGAs (Delta State) as well as Akoko Edo, Esan Central and Etsako East LGAs (Edo State), Ethiope East, Ndokwa East and Sapele LGAs (Delta State); respectively. The results suggest the high presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and phenols in the leaves and stems of V. amygdalina collected from different LGAs of Delta and Edo State while the absence of Tannins was observed.