Phytochemical constituents and ethnobotany of the leaf extract of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) Del

The phytochemical screening and ethno botanical importance of the leaf of Vernonia amygdalina Del. were investigated. The secondary metabolites in the leaf were identified to establish a relationship between them and their therapeutic properties. The leaves were sun dried, pulverized and sieved. The resulting powdered extract was used in running a phytochemical test. A chemical analysis was also ran to determine the moisture content, ash value, protein, fats, carbohydrate and fibre value of the leaf. The results of the phytochemical screening showed that carbohydrates, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, proteins and steroid occurred in very high concentration (+ + +), while flavonoids and glycosides occurred in high concentration (++).The concentration of resins was low (+).Acidic compounds and oils were not observed (-). Similarly, the chemical analysis revealed the presence of fat, protein, carbohydrate, fibre, ash and moisture, necessary for human growth and development..Vernonia amygdalina has been found useful in ethnomedicine.Keywords: Phytochemical, ethnobotany, Vernonia amygdalina, therapeutic properties, ethnomedicineJournal of Pharmaceutical and Allied SciencesVol. 7 No. 3 (2010