Identification of Phytocomponents and Acute Toxicity Evaluation of Corchorus olitorius Leaf Extract
D. Orieke *
Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
O. C. Ohaeri
Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
I. I. Ijeh
Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
S. N. Ijioma
Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In this study, the identification of secondary metabolites was carried out alongside acute toxicity evaluation on Corchorus olitorius leaf extract (COLE). Results of phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids (4.00±0.035 mg/100 g), steroids (0.89±0.031 mg/100 g), terpenes (1.27±0.016 mg/100 g), phenolic compounds (2.05±0.514 mg/100 g), alkaloids (3.10±0.026 mg/100 g), saponins (4.00±0.054 mg/100 g), tannins (0.32±0.044 mg/100 g) and cardiac glycoside (1.61±0.068 mg/100 g) while GCMS analysis of the extract showed the presence of 46 compounds with 2-Dodecenal having the highest concentration. 3-Methyl-1-penten-4-yn-3-ol, 2,4-Decadienal and Ethanone were also found in higher amounts. No toxicity behaviour and mortality were observed during the acute toxicity study period, even at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body. From results obtained, we conclude that Corchorus olitorius leaf extract may be a potential source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and cardiovascular system modulatory agent and may be safe for use as food and medicine.
Keywords: Corchorus olitorius, GC-MS, phytochemical, toxicity