Phytochemical Characterization and Total Phenolic Content Analysis of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Vernonia elaeagnifolia (Curtain Creeper)

Abstract

Background: Vernonia elaeagnifolia, commonly known as curtain creeper, is a climber in the Asteraceae family traditionally used for ornamental and ecological purposes. While some species of Vernonia have been explored for their therapeutic potential, little is known about the bioactive phytoconstituents of V. elaeagnifolia, particularly its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer relevance. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile, quantify total phenolic content (TPC), and analyze key phenolic compounds in the aqueous leaf extract of V. elaeagnifolia, with a focus on their potential antioxidant significance.
Method: Fresh leaves were collected, shade-dried, and subjected to aqueous extraction via maceration. Preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted using standard qualitative tests. TPC was estimated using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and phenolic constituents were identified and quantified through reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC).
Results: The extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, proteins, and phenolic compounds. TPC was found to be 2490.49 µg/mL gallic acid equivalents (GAE), based on a calibration curve with R² = 0.9774. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of gallic acid and catechin—phenolics known for their antioxidant and pro apoptotic activity in cancer models.
Conclusion: The findings support V. elaeagnifolia as a promising natural source of phenolic compounds with potential anticancer relevance. Further bioassay-guided and mechanistic studies are warranted to validate its cytotoxic effects and explore therapeutic applications.