EVALUATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES, PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND ANTI-MICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF PHYLLLANTHUS NIRURI LEAF
Abstract
Phyllanthus niruri, commonly known as Stonebreaker, has long been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments, including kidney stones, infections, and liver diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the proximate composition, phytochemical constituents, and antimicrobial activity of P. niruri leaves using standard methods. The proximate analysis revealed that the leaves are rich in carbohydrates (42.44%) and dietary fiber (18%), with moderate levels of fat (11%) and protein (6.56%), indicating their potential as a functional food source. Phytochemical screening using three solvent indicated the presence of several bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and phenols, particularly in the ethanol and aqueous extracts. The antimicrobial testing revealed that the ethanol extract exhibited significant activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudononas auriginosa, while the n-hexane extract demonstrated limited activity. Quantitative phytochemical evaluation revealed that Phyllanthus niruri leaf have high contents of Flavonoids (8.4%), alkaloids(5.2%), and phenol (5.2%), moderate in tannins (2.2%), but low in saponin (1.8%).These findings support the therapeutic potential of P. niruri as a natural antimicrobial and nutritional agent. Further studies are recommended to explore the molecular mechanisms of its bioactive compounds and to conduct clinical trials to confirm its safety and efficacy in human health.
Keywords: Phyllanthus niruri, Stonebreaker leaves, Proximate composition, Phytochemical c onstituents, Antimicrobial activity, Bioactive compounds
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