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A project submitted to the Department of Biochemistry

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity of Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina)

By

Tunde Adebayo

U/2015/ABC/0185

In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of a Bachelor's degree

Supervisor:

2025

Abstract

Analyses bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) leaf extracts for the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, and measures antioxidant activity using DPPH assay. The study is organised into five chapters covering the introduction, review of related literature, research methodology, data presentation and analysis, and the summary, conclusion and recommendations.

Table of Contents

Chapter One: Introduction

  1. 1.1 Background to the Study4
  2. 1.2 Statement of the Problem6
  3. 1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study8
  4. 1.4 Research Questions10
  5. 1.5 Research Hypotheses12
  6. 1.6 Scope of the Study14
  7. 1.7 Limitations of the Study16
  8. 1.8 Operational Definition of Terms18

Chapter Two: Literature Review

  1. 2.1 Conceptual Review16
  2. 2.2 Theoretical Framework18
  3. 2.3 Empirical Review of Related Studies20
  4. 2.4 Gap in Literature22
  5. 2.5 Summary of Literature Review24

Chapter Three: Research Methodology

  1. 3.1 Research Design28
  2. 3.2 Area of the Study30
  3. 3.3 Population of the Study32
  4. 3.4 Sample and Sampling Technique34
  5. 3.5 Instrument for Data Collection36
  6. 3.6 Validity and Reliability of the Instrument38
  7. 3.7 Method of Data Collection40
  8. 3.8 Method of Data Analysis42

Chapter Four: Data Presentation and Analysis

  1. 4.1 Data Presentation40
  2. 4.2 Test of Hypotheses42
  3. 4.3 Discussion of Findings44

Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations

  1. 5.1 Summary of Findings52
  2. 5.2 Conclusion54
  3. 5.3 Recommendations56
  4. 5.4 Suggestions for Further Studies58

References

Appendices

Final YearPreview only

Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Background to the Study

Analyses bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) leaf extracts for the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, and measures antioxidant activity using DPPH assay.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Lab analysis of bioactive compounds in bitter leaf and its antioxidant potential. Existing approaches remain limited in reach, accuracy and ease of use, which creates the gap this study addresses.

1.3 Aim and Objectives

The aim of this study is to phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of bitter leaf (vernonia amygdalina). The specific objectives are to:

  1. review existing literature and systems related to the study;
  2. collect and analyse data using Laboratory experiment;
  3. evaluate the results against the stated problem;
  4. make recommendations for practice and further research.

1.4 Scope of the Study

Introduction: background to phytochemistry of medicinal plants, statement of the problem (lack of standardised data on Nigerian medicinal plants used in folk medicine), aim and objectives, research questions, scope, significance of the study, and definition of terms.

Chapter Two: Literature Review

Literature Review: theoretical framework, review of related works on phytochemistry of medicinal plants, gaps in existing studies, and a summary positioning this project. Literature Review: theoretical framework, review of related works on phytochemistry of medicinal plants, gaps in existing studies, and a summary positioning this project.

Chapters 2–5 are not part of this preview.