Browsing by Author "Kalenda, Nusulah"

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    Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant activity and formulation of a bidens pilosa leaf-based topical herbal preparation.
    (Busitema University, 2026) Kalenda, Nusulah
    Background: Wounds and excessive bleeding remain a major concern in Africa resulting in high mortality rates when left untreated. Due to limited access to conventional wound care and hemostatic agents, many local communities rely on medicinal plants. Bidens pilosa is traditionally used across many regions in Africa to treat cuts, wounds and bleeding, but scientific validation of its efficacy is limited. The main objective of this study was to characterize the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts of Bidens pilosa leaves and to formulate a topical preparation for potential wound-care applications. Material and Methods: Ethanolic leaf extracts of Bidens pilosa were subjected to phytochemical analysis to investigate the active constituents present in the extract. The different phytochemicals were quantified using different standards whose calibration curves were used to determine the concentration of the extracts. Herbal remedy was formulated from the Bidens pilosa powder by mixing it with coconut oil and sorbate was added as a preservative. Antioxidant property was then determined using DPPH antioxidant radical scavenging activity tests and ferric reducing power test. Results: Qualitative screening detected alkaloids, tannins and phenolic compounds strongly, saponins moderately, and flavonoids and steroids weakly. Quantitative analysis gave 5.55 mg apigenin equivalent/g (flavonoids), 5.64 mg propyl gallate equivalent/g (phenolics), 0.50 mg caffeine equivalent/g (alkaloids) and 2.59 mg tannic acid equivalent/g (tannins); several sample absorbances fell outside the calibration range and these values should be treated as preliminary. The formulated remedy was green in colour with a pleasant smell, an average DPPH free radical scavenging activity of 44.5%, ferric reducing power of 6.2 mg of ascorbic acid per gram of the extract and pH of 7.5. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Bidens pilosa leaves contains several classes of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, tannins, phenolics and flavonoids, and exhibits antioxidant activity that may support further investigation of the plant for wound-care applications. A topical preparation was successfully formulated. Haemostatic and wound