Qualitative Phytochemical Screening on Some Selected Medicinal Plants in Senan District, Northwestern Ethiopia

Plants are rich sources of phytochemicals, secondary metabolites like alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, saponins, phenolics, glycosides, and others, found in various plant parts including leaves, fruits, roots, and stem bark. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical components of Ruta chalepensis, Vernonia amygdalina, and Zehneria scabra species in Senan District, Northwestern Ethiopia. Methanol and petroleum ether extracts of selected plant parts were subjected to standard qualitative phytochemical screening. The analysis revealed the presence of several phytochemical compounds in both methanol and petroleum ether extracts of the aerial parts of R. chalepensis and the leaves of V. amygdalina and Z. scabra. Notably, methanolic extracts exhibited a higher abundance of phytochemicals due to the superior solubility of active compounds compared to petroleum ether. These findings highlight the potential of these plants as valuable sources of therapeutic agents. Traditionally, R. chalepensis, V. amygdalina, and Z. scabra have been employed to treat various ailments. While this study provides a foundation for further exploration, additional research, including quantitative analysis, compound characterization, isolation, and pharmacological evaluation, is necessary to fully unlock these plants' therapeutic potential.