Phytochemical and Anticancer Evaluation of Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Extract

Abstract

This study examines the phytochemical composition and anticancer potential of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) leaf extracts, focusing on the influence of solvent polarity on the extraction of bioactive compounds. Among all ethanol–water mixtures tested, the 50% ethanol extract showed the highest yield, containing abundant flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins—key constituents known for their antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antiproliferative effects. UV–Vis spectrophotometry and HPLC confirmed the superior bioactive content of this extract. Major compounds such as luteolin, chlorogenic acid, and vernodalin demonstrated mechanisms linked to anticancer activity, including apoptosis induction, oxidative stress modulation, and inhibition of cell cycle progression. Overall, the findings highlight V. Amygdalina as a promising source of anticancer phytochemicals with potential applications in cancer therapy or nutraceutical development. However, further work involving standardized extraction, toxicological evaluation, and clinical studies is essential. Future research should explore compound isolation, detailed mechanistic studies, and the development of advanced formulations to support its evidence-based use in oncology.

KEYWORDS:

Vernonia amygdalina, phytochemical analysis, anticancer activity, ethanol extract, flavonoids, phenolics, luteolin, apoptosis, HPLC, antioxidants.