Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Ethanolic Extracts from Different Organs of Euphorbia hirta L. Collected in Benin

Background: Euphorbia hirta L. is traditionally used in Benin to alleviate asthma symptoms. However, variations in the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of its different organs require further investigation. Aim: To compare the phytochemical profiles and in vitro antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts from the leaves and stems, flowers and roots of Euphorbia hirta collected in Benin. Methods: Plant samples collected in Porto-Novo were separated into three organ groups and extracted by ethanol maceration. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using colorimetric methods. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical-scavenging assay. Results: Extraction yields were 13.40%, 10.94% and 4.75% for leaves and stems, flowers and roots, respectively. Polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and coumarins were detected in all extracts, whereas saponins were detected exclusively in roots. Leaves and stems exhibited the highest total phenolic (28.31 ± 0.64 mg GAE/100 mg) and flavonoid (17.36 ± 0.20 mg QE/100 mg) contents. DPPH inhibition was 70.67 ± 0.66%, 69.67 ± 1.08% and 57.35 ± 0.40% for leaves and stems, flowers and roots, respectively. Corresponding IC₅₀ values were 8.02, 9.04 and 20.35 µg/mL. Conclusion: Ethanolic extracts from the aerial organs, particularly leaves and stems, exhibited higher phenolic and flavonoid contents and greater DPPH radical-scavenging activity than root extracts. These findings support further phytochemical and biological investigations but do not establish clinical efficacy in asthma management.