PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) is a widely utilized medicinal plant globally, that
holds significant recognition in traditional medicine systems. This plant has been
studiedfor its wide range of pharmacological properties including, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-immunosuppressive properties anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antipyretic, antiretroviral, antivenom, cardioprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. In this research, the aqueous and ethanol extract of the leaves and stem bark of Andrographis paniculata was qualitatively and quantitively analysed, to determine its phytochemical composition. The qualitative analysis carried out between the aqueous and ethanol extract of Andrographis paniculata showed positive for saponin, tannin, phenol, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, proanthocyanidin and terpenoids which are phytochemicals responsible for the plant’s ethnomedicinal uses. Although these phytochemicals are present in both extracts, Flavonoids (66 QE/g), Phenol (78 GAE/g), Tannin (54 TAE/g) and Proanthocyanidin (174 mgAAE/g) were found in higher concentration in the aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata than the ethanol extract. This clearly indicates that the aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata is more advantageous for herbal medicine practice. Upon statistical analysis it was concluded that though the level of flavonoids, proanthocyanidin, tannins and phenol were more higher in the aqueous extract than ethanol extract though, there was no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) between these extracts, suggesting that the solvent ethanol was just as effective in the extraction of these phytochemicals when compared with the aqueous solvent.

Burn injuries significantly challenge patient recovery, often requiring specialized nutritional support to address complications and aid healing. This study analyzed the phytochemical and proximate composition of a fully compounded indigenous supplementary feed flour for burn patients. Maize, unripe plantain, soybean, groundnut, and crayfish were procured, washed, and dried. These ingredients were mixed in specific ratios to produce a compounded flour blend, which was then evaluated for its nutrient composition and phytochemical content. The proximate composition analysis revealed: moisture content (6.56%), dry matter (93.44%), ash (1.73%), fat (4.45%), fiber (0.56%), protein (3.5%), and carbohydrates (16.24%). Phytochemical screening showed sapiens and tannins levels at 1805.47 mg/kg and 5157.530 mg/kg, respectively. These results indicate that the feed flour adequately meets the metabolic needs of burn patients, providing essential nutrients along with significant amounts of sapiens and tannins, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties beneficial for recovery.