Total Phenolic Content (TPC) Determination and Phytochemical Screening of Plecranthus Esculentus Tubers of Rusape, Zimbabwe

Plectranthus esculentus is a common tuberous, perennial plant widely distributed in Rusape district of Zimbabwe and other areas of eastern and central and southern Africa. Phytochemicals were extracted from Plectranthus esculentus tubers using the matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction technique with ethanol as the extraction solvent. The extracts were first screened for flavonoids, reducing sugars, saponins, glycosides, terpernoids, alkaloids, and tannins using well known phytochemical screening procedures. Plectranthus esculentus tuber extracts were found to contain for flavonoids, reducing sugars, saponins, glycosides, terpernoids, alkaloids, and tannins. Total phenolic content for the tuber extracts was found to be 11.03 ±0.05mgGAE/g fresh weight. The results revealed the presence of medicinally important phytochemicals in the tubers. The presence of these phytochemicals helps to explain the importance of Plectranthus esculentus. The tubers have potential uses in food preservation and natural medicine. There is a need for continued cultivation, preservation and more research on Plectranthus esculentus in Zimbabwe and abroad.