Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Activities of Dry and Fresh Leaves of Petivera alliacea and Ocimum gratissimum.

Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties. It is well-known that plants produce these chemicals to protect them but recent researches demonstrate that they can also protect humans against diseases. The aim of the study was to screen and determine the phytochemicals content (Saponins, Alkaloid, Flavonoids, Phenolics, Terpenoid) and the anti-oxidant activities in dried and wet samples of Ocimum gratissimum and Petiveria alliacea. The samples of Ocimum gratissimum and Petiveria alliacea were obtained from market in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. They were then taken to the herbarium of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria for Identification. Analysis was done on both dry and fresh samples of the leaves using standard procedures of the Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The results showed that the dry leaves of Ocimum gratissimum and Petiveria alliacea had significantly higher values in all phytochemical contents worked on than the fresh leaves