Quantitative Phytochemical Profiling of the Ethanol Extract of Colocasia esculenta Leaves by Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID)

Abstract

Medicinal plants are important sources of bioactive compounds that have attracted scientific interest because of their diverse chemical constituents. Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott is widely consumed as a leafy vegetable in Nigeria and has been traditionally used for the management of various ailments; however, quantitative information on the phytochemical composition of its leaves remains limited. This study quantitatively profiled the phytochemical constituents of the ethanol extract of C. esculenta leaves using Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID). The analysis revealed a diverse composition of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, with myricetin identified as the predominant phytochemical (90 ppm), followed by catechin (36 ppm) and quercetin (20 ppm). Genistein, daidzin, and gentisic acid were also detected at moderate concentrations, whereas the remaining identified phytochemicals occurred at concentrations below 5 ppm. The presence of these compounds demonstrates the chemical complexity of the ethanol extract of C. esculenta leaves and provides quantitative information on its phytochemical composition. The findings establish a baseline phytochemical profile of C. esculenta leaves and support further investigation into the biological properties of the identified constituents.