Analysis of the Active Metabolites of Ethanol and Ethyl Acetate Extract of Justicia carnea

Abstract

Justicia carnea is a medicinal plant that has been used traditionally as a blood tonic and has other diverse therapeutic benefits for 
humans since time immemorial in Nigeria. This study is aimed at the analysis of the active metabolites in ethanol and ethyl 
acetate extracts of Justicia carnea. A powdered sample was extracted using absolute ethanol and ethyl acetate and concentrated 
with a rotary evaporator. Active metabolites were identified via column chromatography (CC) and gas chromatography-mass 
spectrometry (GC-MS). Ethanol was a more effective solvent for the extraction as most of the phytochemicals were identified in 
this extract. There was also extraction of other classes of active metabolites with a mixed solvent of petroleum ether, diethyl 
ether, and ethanol from crude ethyl acetate extract. Results from this study identified some active metabolites that possess a lot 
of therapeutic properties such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, immune modulatory, and antimalarial activities 
that are of immense benefit to man