Preliminary, chromatographic and spectrometric screening of the phytochemical properties of the phylla of Spilanthes filicaulis (Schumach & Thonn.) CD. Adams
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Abstract
Spilanthes. filicaulis belonging the family, Asteraceae, is known for its medicinal benefits and wide applications in the traditional treatment of varieties of ailments including toothache, malaria and typhoid fever especially in Nigeria. Several species within the genus Spilanthes are tropical plants that are extensively used in traditional medicine and as flavoring agents in food preparations. Although some individuals find the spilanthol-induced tingling sensation on the tongue unpleasant, cooking reduces this effect, allowing the plant to be consumed as a green leafy vegetable. Secondary metabolites are a valuable source of potential therapeutic agents. The plant is widely used in ethnomedicine, remains poorly validated scientifically. The current study investigated the phytochemical composition of S. filicaulis methanol extract. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was carried out using various chemical tests. The analysis revealed abundant alkaloids, moderate amount of saponins, flavonoids, and phenols, with minute quantity of glycosides, cardiac glycosides, and terpenoids, while tannins were absent. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry, a combination technique for separating and identifying compounds was carried out to check for the presence of specific compounds. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis further identified several compounds including benzyl alcohol, palmitoleic acid, dibutyl phthalate, n-hexadecanoic acid, and methyl stearate. The study shows that S. filicaulis contains bioactive compounds with perhaps promising pharmacological potential that may give credence to its traditional use in treating the aforementioned human health conditions. In addition, these findings suggest a lead to further exploration of the plant leaf as a potential source of novel therapeutic agents.
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