Phytochemical composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities of different parts of Gomphostemma ovatum

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of phytochemical composition, bioactive and nutritional compounds, as well as antioxidant activities of different parts of Gomphostemma ovatum plants. The leaf, stem, and roots of Gomphostemma ovatum were analysed and results showed that the root of the plant has higher carbohydrate (56%), protein (10.62%), and fibre (16.13%) contents. Mineral analysis displayed leaf had higher aluminum (3376 μg/kg), potassium (839 μg/kg), magnesium (3731 μg/kg), and manganese (4112 μg/kg), whereas stem had the highest calcium (2572 μg/kg), chromium (23 μg/kg), copper (23 μg/kg), iron (443 μg/kg), and zinc content (144 μg/kg), while root had the highest sodium (1151 μg/kg) contents. Phytochemical screenings showed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, and anthraquinones. GC-MS and LC-MS/MS profiling revealed that there is a presence of several bioactive compounds exhibiting antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties few of which are 1-methylene-2b-hydroxymethyl-3,3-dimethyl-4b-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-cyclohexane, tricosanal, chrysoeriol, catechin, peptide etc. The leaf sample had higher total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activities compared to stem, and root of the plant. This comprehensive study not only corroborates the nutritional significance of Gomphostemma ovatum but also highlights the potential for future drug discovery and development, emphasizing the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific research in the pursuit of effective healthcare solutions.