Matrix Solid Phase Dispersion Extraction and Screening of Phytochemicals from Dioscorea steriscus Tubers of Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe

Dioscorea steriscus is a common tuberous, perennial plant widely distributed in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. The plant tubers are consumed by several Zimbabweans as either relish or vegetable and are also used to prepare folk remedies for several ailments. Phytochemicals were extracted from Dioscorea steriscus tubers using matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) extraction technique with three different solvents namely methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate. Appropriate laboratory screening tests to determine the presence eight different phytochemicals were performed. In the methanol extract, all phytochemicals tested for were present; in the ethanol extract all were present except for glycosides and saponins. Saponins, tannins, steroids and glycosides were absent in the ethyl acetate extract. Total phenolic content (TPC) was found to be 78.23, 73.02 and 69.34 mgGAE/g fresh weight in the three extracts. Due to the presence of substantial amounts of phenolic compounds, Dioscorea steriscus was found to have potential applications in food, cosmetic, plastic and pharmaceutical industries.

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