Qualitative Analysis on the Phytochemical Compounds and Total Phenolic Content of Cissus hastata (Semperai) Leaf Extract

Abstract

Plant extracts of Cissus hastata, indigenously known as Semperai, have been used as an effective traditional remedy against coughs. Recently, the leaf extract was potentially shown to have anti-hemorrhoid activity, although there is a lack of scientific data due to its folklore usage. Hence, the therapeutic properties of the phytochemicals and metabolites of Semperai remain elusive. Therefore, this study aims to determine the total phenolic content and phytochemical compounds of the plant leaf extract. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteau method and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, respectively. Phytochemical compounds present in the leaf methanol extract were analyzed by a qualitative method. Results showed the extract comprised a total of 21.3 mg GAE/g of phenolic content with reference to gallic acid. The antioxidant activity was almost absence with an IC50 of 7.80 µg/mL when compared to trolox and gallic acid. Presence of the red to orange precipitate in reference to gallic acid indicate alkaloid content, while the appearance of black-blue/green color in reference to gallic acid are referred to as tannins. The steroids were represented by an upper red layer and a yellowish sulfuric acid with green fluorescence in comparison to cholesterol. Nonetheless, saponin was not detected in the extract, as indicated by the absence of the persisting foam in the test solution when compared with sodium dodecyl sulphate. In conclusion, despite not having an antioxidant property, the methanol extract of Semperai comprised a fair amount of phenolic compounds, including tannins, alkaloids, and steroids, which, potentially, are highly anti-inflammatory towards hemorrhoids.

Phytochemical Constituents of Cissus oliveri growing in Pwani Region, Tanzania

“…Another secondary metabolite detected in leaf and stem extracts was steroids. Similar findings were observed in Muhamad et al (2022) studies, albeit from leaves of other Cissus species, C. hastata and C. sicyoides. Irrespective of the species, phyto-steroids are important for plant growth and reproduction, yet they exert responses to many biotic and abiotic stresses (Muhamad et al 2022).…”

“…Similar findings were observed in Muhamad et al (2022) studies, albeit from leaves of other Cissus species, C. hastata and C. sicyoides. Irrespective of the species, phyto-steroids are important for plant growth and reproduction, yet they exert responses to many biotic and abiotic stresses (Muhamad et al 2022). They also possess insecticidal and antimicrobial properties, are used in nutrition, herbal medicine and cosmetics (Gowri and Vasantha 2010).…”

“…So far, there is no previous study about the phenolic content of C. oliveri. Phenolic compounds are normally present in many plants and are associated with increasing their antioxidant capacity, for example, small quantities of these compounds have also been reported in the leaves of Cissus hastata (Muhamad et al 2022). Apart from antioxidant properties, there are several biological activities of phenols which include; antitumor, antiviral, antimicrobial, and hypotensive effects (Madike et.al.…”

Antibacterial activity and phytochemical screening of traditional medicinal plants most preferred for treating infectious diseases in Habru District, North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

“…In the first test, known as the Salkowski test, 2 mL of chloroform and a concentration of H 2 SO 4 were added to 5 mL of the aqueous plant extract. A positive result was indicated by the presence of a red color in the lower chloroform layer [ 33 ]. In the second test, a mixture was prepared by combining 5 ml of chloroform and 5 ml of H 2 SO 4 with 500 μl of the plant extract.…”

Anti-feedant and Molluscicidal Activities of Selected Spices Against Achatina fulica (Gastropoda: Achatinidae)

“…Formation of a reddish-brown precipitate indicated the presence of terpenoids. Phenolic compounds were screened by the lead acetate test (Muhamad et al, 2023). A few drops of 10% lead acetate solution were mixed with the extract.…”