Abstract

Pechuel-Loeschea leubnitziae is a predominant medicinal plant in Namibia. It is traditionally utilized in treatment of gastrointestinal issues, sexually transmitted infections and common cold. Despite its therapeutic potential, the phytochemicals profile and compounds compositions are yet to be scientifically validated. This study was conducted to determine the spectrum and total phytochemical constituents present in P. leubnitziae leaves extract using standard qualitative and quantitative methods. Fine powder of P. leubnitziae was extracted by cold maceration using a serial exhaustive approach in a 1:5 dilution in hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol and water. After 72 h, obtained filtrate was concentrated using a rotary evaporator or lyophilizer. Crude fraction of each solvent obtained was screened for phytochemicals using qualitative and quantitative methods. The yield of the extracts post-extraction ranged from 5.361 to 23.93 g. The extracts contain alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and tannins. There were significant differences in the total phytochemical contents of each solvent. Total alkaloids contents (TAC) ranged from 29.12 to 106.44 µg, total flavonoids contents (TFC) ranged from 30.41 to 78.84 µg, total phenolic contents (TPC) ranged from 57.14 to 58.70 µg and total tannins contents (TTC) ranged from 13.06 to 30.85 µg. The leaves of P. leubnitziae contain phytochemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic, terpenoids, tannins and saponins that are known to have pharmacological properties and they can be explored for biological potentials.

Key words: Pechuel-Loeschea leubnitziae extracts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, phytochemicals content.