Phytochemical Profiling, Proximate Composition and in-vitro Antioxidant Potentials of the Aqueous Extract Andrographis paniculata

Abstract

Background: Andrographis paniculata often known as the “king of bitters or kalmegh” has a long history of use in traditional Asian medicine, particularly in Ayorvedic and Chinese system. The plant has been widely studied for its phytochemical constituents, which are responsible for its pharmacological benefits, including its ethnomedicinal uses. However, the leaves have been underutilized and untapped for their full potential. Aims: The aim of this study is to perform an analysis of the aqueous leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata to evaluate its proximate composition, phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidants. Methodology: Fresh A. paniculata leaves were harvested from a farmland at Uturu, Isikwuato Local Government Area, Abia State. They were washed, dried and pulverized into fine powder. The proximate composition was determined using the method of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Standard chemical test method was used to determine the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant, were determined using assays methods respectively. Results: The result showed that Andrographis paniculata aqueous leaf extract contains high percentage of carbohydrate (70.01%), crude protein (14.48%) and energy (2,440.81kj). The extract is rich in alkaloids, saponins and tannins. The In vitro antioxidant assays revealed that DPPH, FRAP, and nitric oxide exhibited high scavenging potentials at different concentrations (25–200 µg/ml), but showed reduced activity when compared to the standard antioxidant, ascorbic acid. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata leaves possesses appreciable levels of bioactive phytochemicals and a favorable proximate composition dominated by carbohydrates and moderate protein. Its in-vitro antioxidant activity, though lower than standard ascorbic acid, is significant and concentration-dependent. These findings validate its ethnomedicinal relevance and support its potential application in nutraceutical and therapeutic formulations aimed at managing oxidative stress and metabolic disorder.