Phytochemical Constituents and Anti-inflammatory Activities of <i>Momordicaaugustisepala</i> Seed and Stem Species Grown in Nigeria

Diseases and infections are two of the most notable health challenges that humans are facing today; these have led to different health impairments, death and other economic damages. To combat these menaces, leaf and stem of Momordicaaugustisepala plant have been noted for their medicinal properties. Ethanol extract of Momordicaaugustisepala leaf and stem was investigated for their phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial activities. M. augustisepala leaf (MAL) andstem (MAS) was collected in Ogbomoso. Exactly 500 g of leafand stem was soaked in 4000 mL of ethanol. It was agitated for 1 hour at room temperature (27°C) in ultrasonic sonicator based on their polarity. The extract was then decanted, combined, filtered and concentrated using Rotary Evaporator at 40°C. The Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR) spectra and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectrophotometer was obtained on a Perkin Elmer Spectrum and Varian Cary ultraviolet-visible. Results of the phytochemical analysis of the Momordicaaugustisepala leaf and stem showed the presence of Alkaloids, Glycosides, Flavonoids, Terpenoids, Tannins, Saponins, Phenols, Steroids and Anthraquinones, and Momordicaaugustisepala stem revealed, Alkaloids, flavonoids, Anthraquinones, Glycoside, Steroids, terpenoids, Tannins, Saponins and Phenols, while reducing sugar and phlobatanins were absent. Maximum inhibition protein denaturation of 86.6% and 89.3%was observed at 500μg/ml for anti-inflammatory activities. As compared to Aspirin standard anti-inflammation drug which gave 85.9% at the same concentration. The results revealed that both seed and stem of M. augustisepala have potential for antimicrobial and anti- inflammatory activities which may be due to the presence of plant secondary metabolites.