Osaro Iyekowa

The research project investigates the phytochemical profile of the oil fraction derived from Justicia carnea leaves, utilizing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Methanolic extraction through maceration, followed by rotary evaporation for concentration, was employed to isolate the phytoconstituents of the plant material. A portion of the concentrated crude extract was subjected to a detailed phytochemical screening, which identified bioactive classes such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, indicating the plant's rich chemical composition. For further analysis, another fraction of the crude extract underwent vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) using a gradient of solvent systems. The hexane:ethyl acetate fraction was selected for GC-MS analysis, where phytol, a diterpenoid alcohol, was identified as the major compound with a retention time of 23.74 minutes and an abundance of 67.286%. Phytol, a well-documented diterpene, plays a significant physiological role and is associated with multiple biological activities, including anti- inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The convergence of phytochemical screening and GC-MS results underscores the chemical complexity and pharmacological relevance of Justicia carnea's oil fraction. These findings support further bioactivity-guided studies of this botanical source, which may yield novel bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential for addressing human health concerns