









































Pa
ge

 
1



Pa
ge

 
37

American Journal of  
Chemistry and Pharmacy (AJCP)

Phytochemical and Biological Screening of  Catholic Vegetable 
(Jatropha TanjorensisJatropha Tanjorensis) Aqueous Extract in Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria

O. Imohiosen1*

Volume 2 Issue 2, Year 2023
ISSN: 2834-0116 (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajcp.v2i2.1602
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajcp

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: April 18, 2023

Accepted: May 23, 2023

Published: May 25, 2023

Jatropha tanjorensis has been used as a medicinal herb in treatment and management of  disease 
because they are relatively safer, more affordable and sometimes offers better therapeutic 
value than synthetic drugs. The study investigated the phytochemical and biological 
screening of  catholic vegetable (Jatropha tanjorensis) aqueous extract with the objectives of  
evaluating some secondary metabolites in the plant using standard qualitative methods and 
ascertaining the antimicrobial effect of  Jatropha tanjorensis aqueous leave extract on bacteria 
of  medical importance such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus 
aureus, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli using the agar well diffusion method. The results 
revealed that the extract of  the leaf  of  J. tanjorensis contain some important bioactive 
components (phytochemicals) in a high amount such as saponins followed by flavonoids, 
alkaloid and tannins in moderate amount whereas phenol, phlobatannins and glycosides 
are in low amount. It also shows that the extract was active against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. 
aureus, K. pneumonia and S. typhi  measuring clear zones of  inhibition 30.0mm, 22.0mm, 
19.0mm, 18.0mm and 17.0mm respectively. Thus, the exhibition of  strong antibacterial 
activity and phytochemical profiles obtained from the analyses of  J. tanjorensis leaf  
indicated that it might be recommended for human consumption and adequate amount of  
consumption could contribute greatly towards meeting human nutritional needs for normal 
body growth and adequate protection and curative measures to common diseases related to 
the test organisms.

Keywords
Biological screening, Catholic 
Vegetable, Phytochemical, 
Aqueous Extract

1 Department of  Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: ojeaga2003@yahoo.com

INTRODUCTION
Plants constitute a pool and storehouse of  herbal 
medicines (Oyewole et al., 2007). In addition, herbal 
medicines have received greater attention as an alternative 
to clinical therapy and the demand for these remedies has 
currently increased (USDA, 2007). Their use is highly 
dependent on experimental screening to ascertain active 
components, safety, and efficacy of  the plant products 
(Oyewole et al., 2007; Igbinaduwa et al., 2011). 

Jatropha TanjorensisJatropha Tanjorensis  Plant
Description of  Jatropha TanjorensisJatropha Tanjorensis
Jatropha tanjorensis is a multipurpose perennial shrub/small 
tree of  3-6 m height. The word ‘Jatropha’ is derived from 
Greek words ‘Jatros’ and ‘trope’ (food/nutrition) which 
implies medicinal uses. The genus Jatropha belongs to 
family Euphorbiaceae and subfamily Acalyphoideae 
and includes about 175 species. It may be evergreen or 
deciduous, depending on climate. It has a short tap root, 
robust laterals and many fine tertiary roots. The stem is 
woody, erect, cylindrical, solid and branched. Branches 
are stout, green and semi woody. Leaves are palmate and 
have 5-7 shallow lobes and are arranged in alternate with 
spiral phyllotaxis. Length and widths of  leaves varies 
from 16-21 and 14-18 cm and are cauline and ramel, ex-
stipulate, petiolate. Petioles are 12-19 cm long (Akhilesh 
& Tewari, 2015).

Figure 1: Picture of  Jatropha Tanjorensis (Source: Fieldwork 
2023)

Taxonomy/Classification of  Jatropha TanjorensisJatropha Tanjorensis
                                    
Kingdom  Plantae
Phylum   Tracheophyta
Class  Magnoliopsida
Order  Malpighiales
Family  Euphorbiaceae
Genus  Jatropha
Species  Jatropha tanjorensis 
Common Names: Catholic vegetable, Lapalapa or Iyana-
Ipaja (Yoruba), Ugu-Oyibo (Igbo), “hospital too far” 
(Pidgin English) (Ochulor, Njoku, Uroko & Egba, 2018).

https://doi.org/10.54536/ajcp.v2i2.1602
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajcp


Pa
ge

 
38

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajcp

Am. J. Chem. Pharm. 2(2) 37-40, 2023

Binomial name: Jatropha tanjorensis J.l. Ellis and Soroja 
(GBIF Secretariat, 2021; USDA PLANTS, 2007-2010).

Importance and Uses of  Jatropha Tanjorensisatropha Tanjorensis   
Jatropha tanjorensis Ellis & Saroja is among these screened 
plants, which belongs to genus of  flowering plants in the 
spurge family, Euphorbiaceae (Carlasabandar, 2010). It is 
a multipurpose plant, nurtured for medicinal applications 
and used as food. Almost every fragment of  the plant is 
useful and nutritional in several ways. Its many benefits 
depend on which part of  the plant is being used. The 
leaves are generally cooked and eaten like vegetables such 
as fluted pumpkin leaves (Ugu) and spinach (Nwachukwu, 
2018). J.  tanjorensis  mainly use is for fencing, and as a 
source of  edible leafy vegetables and natural medicinal 
therapy against ailments which include diabetes in many 
parts of  Southern Nigeria (Iwalewa et al., 2005). 
Jatropha tanjorensis possesses important pesticidial, 
anticancer and hepatoprotective activity. The sap from 
stem stops itching, scratches and bleeding of  cuts. The root 
decoction is used as a mouth wash for treating bleeding 
gums, toothache, ringworm, eczema and scabies and 
also treat dysentery and venereal diseases (Nwachukwu, 
2018). The leaf  aqueous extract is consumed as a blood 
tonic with the claim that it increases blood volume. It can 
also be used as alternate to lettuce in salad preparation 
amongst other very vital usages as reported by many 
authors (Igbinaduwa et al., 2011). 
The oxidant potential of  the plant extract has been 
examined and to have antioxidative potential against 
reactive oxygen species produced in protein energy 
malnutrition. The seed oil of  J. tanjorensis is used for 
the treatment of  paralytic and rheumatism affections. 
Traditional medicine practitioners use the root in 
the treatment of  urinary tract infections and sexually 
transmitted infections. It is also used for irregular periods, 
to treat menstrual pains, and to ensure a strong foetus 
during pregnancy (Nwachukwu, 2018).
Notwithstanding the countless potentials of  Jatropha 
tanjorensis as a therapeutic plant has not found a wide 
application in pharmaceutical systems. Its usage has 
mostly been restricted due to insufficient scientific 
information on the plant. Hence, this study aimed to 
evaluate the phytochemical and biological screening of  
catholic vegetable (Jatropha tanjorensis) aqueous extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study Area  
The study was carried out in Federal Polytechnic Bali, Bali 
Local Government Area (LGA) of  Taraba State, Nigeria 
(see Fig.2). The Local Government Area lies between 
latitude 7046 N and 7054 N of  the equator and longitude 
10 030 E and 110 00 E of  the prime meridian (Topographic 
sheet, 1968). This falls within the dry guinea savannah 
with an estimated land area of  11,540 km2. It has some 
mountains like Gazabu, Dakka, Maihula, Bagoni, among 
others. Based on the 2006 National Population Census, Bali 
had a population of  about 211,024 persons (NPC, 2006). 

Figure 2: Map of  Bali Local Government Area showing 
the study Area (Source: Bureau for Land and Survey Jalingo, 
Taraba State)

Thermostated water bath,  Electronic balance (Model: 
3003H),Hot plate (Model: ORL 2080), Oven (Thermcool), 
Desiccators, Cotton wool, Filter paper, Pestle and mortar, 
Glass wares (volumetric/conical flask, beakers, funnel), 
Jatropha tanjorersis leaves 

Reagents/Chemicals
Methanol, Diethyl ether, Ammonia solution, Mayer’s 
regent, Wagner’s regent, Iron (III) Chloride, Hydrochloric 
acid, Ethanol, Acetic acid, Tetraoxosulphate (vi) (H2SO4) 
acid, Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) 

Collection and Identification of  Jatropha Tanjorersis 
Fresh Jatropha tanjorersis leaves were harvested from 
Rest house residence in Bali L.G.A of  Taraba State, in 
the in the month of  April, 2023 and identified using 
pertinent taxonomic literatures (GBIF Secretariat, 2021; 
USDA PLANTS, 2007-2010).  The harvested leaves were 
sorted and then washed with clean water to remove dirt 
and unwanted materials that may be adhering on the 
leaves and after washing. The samples were air dried at 
room temperature on the laboratory table of  Science 
Laboratory Technology Department, Federal Polytechnic 
Bali and after drying, it was then milled using pestle and 
mortar and the powder obtained were used for analyses.

Aqueous Extraction Preparation of  Jatropha 
Tanjorersis Leaves  
100 gm of  fine powdered sample of  Jatropha tanjorersis 
was weighed and mixed with 500 mL of  distilled water 
in a round bottom flask and then the reflux condenser 
apparatus was setup. A reflux condenser was attached to 
the flask and inserted with a heating mantle. The mixture 
was refluxed for one hour and filtered with Watman filter 
paper No. 1. The reflux was done again using new distilled 
water at each stage. The filtrate was heated to dryness by 

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajcp


Pa
ge

 
39

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajcp

Am. J. Chem. Pharm. 2(2) 37-40, 2023

evaporation. Part of  the dry filtrate (extract) was used for 
phytochemical and antimicrobial screening. 

Analyses 
Determination of  Phytochemicals
Alkaloid, phenol, phlobatannins, flavonoids, saponins 
(Froth test), volatile oils and tannin were determined using 
qualitative methods described by Trease & Evans (2009). 

Microorganisms
The bacteria used are known to be potentially pathogenic 
to humans. They include Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, 
Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 
Klebsiella spp. All the organisms’ strains were obtained 
as clinical isolates from Sancta Maria Clinic, Bali, Taraba 
State and Optimum Laboratory, Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa 
State, Nigeria.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
The antibacterial activity of  Jatropha tanjorersis leaf  
extracts (100mg/ml) in vitro on the isolates was 
determined by the agar well diffusion method as described 
by (Olakunle et al., 2013: Osho & Bello, 2010). This was 
done using pour plate method in which small colonies 
from each clinical isolates of  the test organisms were 
made into suspension with 1ml of  sterile distilled water 
in test tubes. 0.1ml of  each suspension was dispensed 
into sterile petri dishes after which melted and sterilized 
nutrient agar maintained at 450C was poured (15 aliquot) 
into the respective plates. The plates were allowed to set, 
four equidistant wells of  6mm in diameter were punched 
in each plate using a sterile cork borer. 0.2ml of  extract 
was introduced into each of  the wells. A well filled with 
sterile water served as control and the plates were allowed 
to stay for15 minutes for pre-diffusion to take place 
followed by incubation for 24-48 hrs at 370C. The zones 
of  inhibition were measured with the use of  a metric rule 
and were recorded in centimeters (millimeters).

Table 1: Phytochemical Screening of  Jatropha tanjorensis 
Leaves Aqueous Extract
Chemical Constituent Confirmation
Phlobatannins +
Saponins +++
Glycosides +
Alkaloids ++
Phenols +
Flavonoids ++
Tannins ++
(+++= Highly Detected, ++= Moderately Detected, 
+= Lowly Detected -= Not Detected)

Table 2: Antimicrobial activity of  Jatropha tanjorensis 
Leaves Aqueous Extract against some bacteria isolates
Organisms Dose Zone of  Inhibition
(Bacteria) (ML) (MM)
Staphylococcus aureus 0.2 19
Salmonella typhi 0.2 17
Escherichia coli 0.2 30
Klebsiella pneumonia 0.2 18
Pseudomonas 
aeruginosa

0.2 22

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
DISCUSSION
The result of  the phytochemical screening of  the Jatropha 
tanjorensis leaf  aqueous extract is presented in Table 1. 

The tannin content of  the J. tanjorensis leaf  sample was 
moderately detected. According to Ujonwundu et al. 
(2010) and WHO (2002), tannins have antioxidant effects 
which help in prevention of  cancer and a level below 
5mg/100g in foods are safe for human consumption. 
Flavonoids are free radical scavengers and potent water-
soluble super antioxidants (Onimawo & Akubor, 2012). 
Flavonoid was moderately detected in the leaf  extract 
of  J. tanjorensis. Though, moderate consumption of  
flavonoid is essential for normal heart beat, metabolic 
and neuromuscular activities. It also protect against all 
stages of  carcinogenesis, prevents oxidative cell damage 
and have strong anticancer activity (Bello et al., 2008).
The alkaloid content of  the Jatropha tanjorensis leaf  sample 
was moderately detected. Alkaloids are medicinal and 
important secondary metabolites. Alkaloids isolated 
in pure form and their synthetic derivatives are used as 
basic medicinal agents for their analgesic and bactericidal 
effects (Morton, 2001). Saponin was highly detected in 
the aqueous leaf  extract of  J. tanjorensis. Some properties 
of  saponins include cholesterol binding properties, 
formation of  foams in aqueous solution, bitterness 
and hemolytic activity (Sodipo et al., 2000). However, 
saponins’ anti-microbial activities make them good for 
treating yeast and fungal infections (Okwu & Ndu, 2006). 
Though, high level of  saponin has been associated with 
gastroenteritis manifested by diarrhoea and dysentery 
(Gernah et al., 2007), acute poisoning is relatively rare (Awe 
& Sodipo, 2001). However, these toxic principles exhibit 
useful medicinal properties (Afiukwa & Igwe, 2015). 
Thus, the presence of  some important phytochemicals 
highly detected (saponin), moderately detected (tannin, 
flavonoid and alkaloid) and lowly detected (phenols, 
glycosides and Phlobatannins) in the Jatropha tanjorensis 
leaf  is an indicator to the medicinal value of  the plant. 
Table 2. show the result of  the antimicrobial activity of  
J. tanjorensis leaves aqueous extract against five isolated 
bacteria identified to be pathogenic to humans. The 
extract exhibited effective antibacterial action against 
the isolated bacteria by their clear zones of  inhibition 
identified as pathogenic to humans. E. coli displayed 
greater level of  susceptibility 3.0cm (30mm) than other 
tested bacteria. Followed by P. aeruginosa with level of  
susceptibility 2.2cm (22mm). S. aureus, K.  pneumonia 
and S. typhi indicated the least zone of  inhibition 1.9cm, 

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajcp


Pa
ge

 
40

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajcp

Am. J. Chem. Pharm. 2(2) 37-40, 2023

1.8cm and 1.7cm (19mm, 18mm and 17mm) respectively. 
The most resistant isolate tested was S. typhi with the 
least zone of  inhibition of  1.7cm (17mm).

CONCLUSION
The study revealed that the aqueous extract of  the leaf  
of  J. tanjorensis contain saponins in high amount followed 
by flavonoids, alkaloid and tannins in moderate amount. 
In contrast, phenol, phlobatannins and glycosides is in 
low amount. It also shows that the extract was active 
against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, K. pneumonia and 
S. typhi  measuring clear zones of  inhibition 30.0mm, 
22.0mm, 19.0mm, 18.0mm and 17.0mm respectively. 
Thus, the display of  strong antibacterial activity and 
phytochemical profiles of  J. tanjorensis leaf  showed that 
it may be recommended for human consumption and 
adequate amount consumption could contribute greatly 
towards meeting human nutritional need for normal body 
growth and adequate protection and curative measures to 
common diseases related to the test organisms.

Acknowledgements 
The researcher wishes to acknowledge the management 
of  Federal Polytechnic Bali for sponsoring this study via 
TET Fund. 

REFERENCE
Afiukwa, A. C. & Igwe, O. D. (2015). Nutritional and 

phytochemical evaluation of  the aerial and underground 
tubers of  air potato. British Journal of  Applied Science and 
Technology, 2231- 2248.

Akhilesh, K. & Tewari S. K. (2015). Origin, distribution, 
ethnobotany and pharmacology of  Jatropha curcas.  
Research Journal of  Medicinal Plants, 9, 48-59.

Awe, I. S. & Sodipo, O. A. (2001).Studies on the chemical 
composition and physio-chemical properties of  seeds 
of  some wild  plants. Nigerian Journal of  Food Science 
and Nutrition., 3, 103-107.

Bello, B.C., Izergina, N., Cavssinus, E. & Reicjert, H. 
(2008). Amplification of  neutral stem cell. Proliferative 
By Intermediate Progenitor Cells in Drosophila Brain 
Development. Neural Dev., 19(3), 5.

Carlasabandar K. (2010). Secondary metabolite compounds 
from Jatropha species. www.wordpress.com

GBIF Secretariat (2021). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy- 
Jatropha tanjorensis. Checklist dataset. https://doi.
org/10.15468/39omei accessed via GBIF.org on 
2022-08-24.

Gernah,  D. I., Atolagbe,  M. O. & Echegwo,  C. C. (2007). 
Nutritional composition of  the African locust bean. 
Biger Food J., 25(1), 190-196.

Igbinaduwa,  P. O., Usifoh,  C. O. & Ugwu,  C. C. (2011). 
Phytochemical analysis and toxicological evaluation 
of  the methanolic extract of  Jatropha tanjorensis leaf. 
Journal of  Pharmacy and Bioresources, 8(2), 86-91

Iwalewa, E. O., Adewumi, C. O., Omisore,  N. O., Adebanji,  
O. A., & Azike,  C. K. (2005). Proantioxidant effects and 
cytoprotective  potentials of  nine edible vegetables in 

Southwest, Nigeria, Journal of  Medical Food, 8, 539-544.  
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2005.8.539

Morton, J. (2001). Purple mombin fruits of  warm 
climates. Miami Publishers: New York, 245

National Population Census (2006). National Population 
Commission Office Magami road, Jalingo, Taraba State. 

Nwachukwu, C. N. (2018). Nutrient, phytochemical 
and anti- nutrient evaluation of  Jatropha tanjorensis 
leaf  (Hospital too far). Journal of  Agriculture and Food 
Sciences., 16(2), 36-46

Ochulor, O. C., Njoku,. U., Uroko, R. I. & Egba, S. I. 
(2018). Nutritional composition of  Jatropha tanjorensis 
leaves and effects of  its aqueous extract on carbon 
tetrachloride induced oxidative stress in male Wistar 
albino rats. Biomedical Research, 29(19).

Okwu, D.E. & Ndu, C.U. (2006). Evaluation of  the 
phytonutrients mineral and vitamin contents of  some 
varieties of  yam (Dioscorea spp.). International Journal 
of  Molecular Medicine and Advance Science, 2, 199-203.

Olakunle, T.P., Akinro, E.B., Agolade, J.O., Yoyinoye, 
A.S., Ghazal, M.A. & Oladeji, S.S. (2013). Inhibitory 
effect of  pure honey on microorganisms isolated from 
wound, Journal of  Environmental Science, Toxicology and 
Food Technology, 3(3), 80-84. 

Onimawo, I. A. & Akubor, P. l. (2012). Food chemistry 
(Integrated Approach with biochemical background). 
2nd Edition, Joytal Printing Press, Agbowo, Ibadan 
Nigeria.

Osho, A. O. & Bello, O. O. (2010). Antimicrobial effect of  
honey produced by Apis mellifera on some common 
human pathogens, Aisan J. Exp. Biol. Sci.,1(4), 875-880. 

 Oyewole, I. O., Magaji, Z. J. & Awoyinka, O. A. (2007). 
Biochemical and toxicological studies of  aqueous 
extract of  Tithonia diversifolia leaves in wistar albino 
rats. Journal of  Medicinal Plants Research, 1(2), 30-33.

Sodiop, O.A, Akiniyi, J.A. & Ogunbamosu, J.U. (2000). 
Studies on certain characteristics of  extracts of  bark 
of  Pansinystallia macrucucerias. Global J. Pure Appl. 
Sci., 6, 83-87.

Topographic Sheet (1968). By Federal Surveyors Nigeria. 
Topographic Sheet, 255, edition 1, with scale of  1: 
100,000.

Trease, G. E. & Evans, W. C. (2009). Pharmacognsy. 11th 
ed. Brailliar Tiridel Can. Macmillian publishers. 

Ujonwundu, C. O., Okafor, O. E., Agha, N. C., Nwaogu, 
L. A., Igwe, K. O. & Igwe, C. U. (2010). Chemical 
composition of  Combretum zenkeri leaves. Journal of  
Medicinal Plants Research, 4(10), 965-968.

United States Department of  Agriculture, USDA 
(2007). Genus: Jatropha L., Germplasm Resources 
Information Network, United  States Department 
of  Agriculture, Retrieved 2015-08-13

USDA PLANTS (2007-2010). Jatropha tanjorensis. Updated 
for ITIS by the Flora of  North America Expertise 
Network.

WHO (World Health Organization). (2002). The world 
health report 2002 – Reducing risks, promoting 
healthy life. Geneva, WHO.

https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajcp

