Phytochemical Profile and Bioactive Compounds in Aqueous Leaf Extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Asteraceae): A GC-MS Analysis

Abstract

The identification of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants provides valuable insights into their therapeutic potential, especially for chronic diseases like diabetes. This study conducted a comprehensive Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to characterize the phytochemical profile of the aqueous leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina, a plant widely utilized in traditional medicine across West Africa. GC-MS analysis identified key bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and sesquiterpenes, known for their anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These phytochemicals are associated with glucose regulation, oxidative stress reduction, and improved liver and kidney function markers. However, the semi-quantitative analysis based on peak area percentages highlights the need for more rigorous quantification methods. Furthermore, the absence of preclinical and clinical trials, along with a lack of toxicity data, limits the full assessment of its therapeutic potential. The results emphasize the need for safety and efficacy studies to support Vernonia amygdalina’s development as a therapeutic agent for diabetes management.