Phytochemical Profiling of Fittonia albivenis Extracts: A Comparative Study of Solvent Extraction Methods

Abstract

Fittonia albivenis, a member of the Acanthaceae family, is an ornamental plant known for its striking foliage and potential therapeutic properties. Traditionally used in folk medicine for treating inflammation, wounds, and pain, its medicinal efficacy is attributed to various bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids. This study aims to explore the phytochemical composition of F. albivenis using solvent extraction methods, focusing on the impact of solvent polarity on the recovery of bioactive compounds. Fresh leaves were extracted sequentially with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and methanol, representing non-polar, moderately polar, and polar solvents, respectively. Qualitative screening identified the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, phenolics, and cardiac glycosides across the extracts. The methanol extract exhibited the highest levels of phenolics (86.7 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (58.9 mg QE/g), followed by the ethyl acetate extract with moderate flavonoid content (32.6 mg QE/g). Petroleum ether, however, showed minimal yields of phenolics and flavonoids but was effective in extracting non-polar terpenoids. Quantitative analysis confirmed the superior efficiency of methanol for extracting polar compounds. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) between extracts, validating the influence of solvent choice on phytochemical recovery. The results suggest that F. albivenis is a rich source of antioxidants, particularly in its polar fractions, and highlight the importance of solvent selection in phytochemical studies. This study provides a foundation for further research into the pharmacological potential of F. albivenis, supporting its traditional uses and potential for therapeutic applications.