Bioactive Compounds and GC-FID Evaluation of Azadirachta indica (Neem Tree) Leaves in Uturu Area, Nigeria

Abstract

Plant extract contains several bioactive constituents that have been shown to possess health promoting properties. Plant derived bioactive compounds, such as biologically active proteins, phenols, carbohydrates, alkaloids, cadiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, anthraquinones, proteins, terpenoids, saponin, steroids and tanins have been reported to be beneficial for human health, as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-infectives, anti-inflammatory, anitibactaria, antidiabetics and neuroprotective. The geographical location of a plant, soil condition and climate factors can affect the quantity and presence of phytochemicals in a given plant. This analysis describes the qualitative phytochemical screening of the leaves of Azadirachta Indica in Uturu area, Nigeria using two solvents, n- hexane and ethanol for extraction, which yield a comparative qualitative result. Also the quantitative analysis of different classes of bioactive compounds present in these leaves were identified by GC-FID analysis. Genistein, luteolin, ferulic acid, artemetin, gallocatechin, flavones, reveratrol, lunamarin, retusin, nobeletin, ellagic acid, tangeretein, epicatechin, vanillic, hesperidin, butein, apigenin, naringenin, myricetin, hesperidin, isorhamnetin, maricetin and daidzein are bioactive compounds identified by GC-FID analysis of Azadirachta Indica leaves in substantial and trace amounts. The metabolites and bioactive compounds present in Azadirachta indica leaves make it a potential medicinal plant that contains therapeutic activities.