Phytochemical screening, proximate analysis and Chromatographic analysis of methanol leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata (L.) M.King & H.Rob. (Asteraceae)

Background: Chromolaena odorata is a scrambling perennial shrub with strong odour that have been reported to have polar phytochemicals.

Objectives: This study was carried out to evaluate the proximate parameter, phytochemical constituents and to identify the phytochemical constituents in C. odorata.

Methods: Proximate analysis and phytochemical screening were evaluated using established standard methods, while High Performance Liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used for the chemical profiling of the plant.

Results: Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, terpenoids and steroids. Proximate analysis showed moisture content 7.42±0.05 %, ash value 7.90±0.04 %, crude fibre content 19.98±0.02 %, crude fat content 23.40±0.02 %, crude protein content 2.30±0.02 % and carbohydrate content 47.20±0.03 %. Thirty eight compounds were identified, with 14 of which showed percentage area of 65.18 %, these compounds are Trimethylsilyl-3-methyl-4-[(trimethysilyl)oxy]benzoate (10.56 %), 1-Bromo-8-heptadecyne (9.58 %), 2-(2-tert-butylphenoxy)-N2-(2-nitrobenzylidene)-Acethydrazide (8.55 %), N,N-Dimethyl-
2-propyn-1-amine (6.36 %), 1,2-Dimethyl-3,5,5-tri(2-cyanoethyl)piperid-4-one (5.25 %), 3-ethenyl-2-(3-pentenylidene)-N-phenyl-[1.alpha.,2Z(E), 3.alpha.]-cyclopentanecarboxamide (4.84 %), Methylenepropanedinitrile (4.14 %), Imidazo(1,5-a)pyrimidine (4.10 %), 3-Methyl-3-penten-1-yne (3.37 %), 2-1-phenylethylidene-hydrazono-3-methyl-2,3-dihydrobenzothiazole (3.19 %), 1,4-Pentadien-3-one (3.18 %), Benzotriazol-1-carboxylic acid, 3-oxide, ethyl ester (3.17 %), 1-Benzylindole (3.10 %) and Pent-2-ynal (3.07 %).

Conclusion: This study shows that the leaf of Chromolaena odorata is a rich source of non-polar phytochemicals that are responsible for the observed activities.