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 quantitative phytochemical composition of V. amygdalina leaf and stem extracts collected from Delta and Edo States of Southern Nigeria. The results obtained from the analysis carried out on the comparison of quantitative phytochemical screening of V. amygdalina collected from Delta and Edo States of Southern Nigeria have clearly showed the presence of highest percent of alkaloids (40%), which was observed in Esan South East local government areas of Edo State when compared to Delta State with (32%) in both Isoko North and Ughelli and in Ethiope West (8%). Highest amount of phenols contents was found in Delta State with (20%) in three local government areas (Ethiope East, Ndokwa East and Sapele), whereas Ika North East LGA has the lowest phenols with (5%) when compared to Edo State with (18.5%) in Central Esan and Owan East LGA has the lowest percent of phenols (6.5%). Highest percentage of flavonoids (24.6%), was observed in Isoko North and lowest percentage (5.8%) was observed in Uvwie LGA of Delta State when compared to 22.2% and 6.5% observed in Uhunmwonde and Esan North-East LGAs respectively of Edo State. Similarly, the percentage per yields of tannins was recorded highest (12%) in Ika South and lowest (2%) in Ovia North- East LGA of Delta State, while in Edo State, the highest recorded (10%) in Esan South East LGA and Ovia North- East had the lowest as 2%. The results of this comparative study further confirmed that Vernonia amygdalina can be used as an active anticancer, antibacterial, antimalarial and antiparastic agent due to the presence of complex bioactive components that are applied pharmacologically.