Phytochemical profiling of an aqueous polyherbal formulation used in traditional management of gastric ulcer

This article assessed the phytochemical profile of a trado-medical anti-ulcer herbal formulation consisting of Chromolena odorata leaf, honey from Apies mellifera and palm kernel oil from Elaeis guineensis. The polyherbal formulation was prepared using macerated aqueous extract of C. odorata leaf, honey and palm kernel oil combined in the ratio of 7:2:1. The phytochemical profile of the formulation was determined using gas chromatography mass spectrometry fitted ion detector. The result of the analysis showed that the most abundant phytochemicals in the formulation were kaempferol (29.60mg/L), genistein (18.22 mg/L), catechin (18.19 mg/L), arthemetin (5.25 mg/L), diadzin (4.02 mg/L) and butein (3.91 mg/L). The polyherbal formulation predominantly composed of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These classes of phytochemicals have been characterized by their free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The presence of these bioactive compounds may be responsible for the therapeutic use of the formulation in traditional management of gastric ulcer.