Phytochemical Screening of the Leaf Extract of Phylantus niruri

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the phytochemical profile of Phyllanthus niruri leaf extract, which has long been utilised as an effective cure for a variety of diseases. Fresh Phyllanthus niruri leaves were obtained from Yola city and sent to the Department of Science Laboratory Technology Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, for identification. The phytochemicals were extracted and analysed using the solvent extraction technique, which employed methanol as the solvent. The results showed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, and anthraquinone, but no saponin or glycosides. These results indicate that Phyllanthus niruri leaves contain bioactive chemicals with potential therapeutic use. The presence of alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids may contribute to the plant’s therapeutic properties, necessitating more study into isolation, characterisation, and pharmacological assessment. Keywords: Phytochemicals, Phyllanthus niruri, Leaf extract and Methanol