Phytochemical screening of the leaf extracts of Hyptis spicigera plant

The present study reports the screening of phytochemical constituents of the leaf extracts of Hyptis spicigera using hexane, ethylacetate and methanol and the leaf powder of the plant. Qualitative analysis of phytochemical constituents showed the presence of the following secondary metabolites vitannins, carbohydrates, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, quinones, coumarin, terpenoids, resins and cardiac glycosides. The quantitative analysis of total phenolics, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids and flavonoids carried out using standard protocols revealed the presence of flavonoids (8.82%), saponins (6.23%), terpenoids (16.10%), alkaloids (7.55%) and phenolics (20.75%) respectively. Phenolics showed the highest content (20.75%) while saponins (6.23%) gave the least content. The high content of phenolics in the plant showed that H. spicigera plant may contain antioxidant properties and could be a good source of natural antioxidants. Also, the richness in flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids and terpenoids in this plant can be correlated with its medicinal properties used by traditional herbal healers in Northern Nigeria. Key words: Hyptis spicigera, phytochemical screening, secondary metabolites.