Introduction: The use of crude herbs for well-being as well as curation and prevention of ailments is evident globally, including Malaysia. To understand the effectiveness and reliability, the presence of phytochemical compounds as the factor influencing the use of crude herbs shall be determined. This study was conducted to screen the presence of phytochemical compounds in the local crude herbs consumed by patients with chronic diseases. This is part of
a larger study, where a cross-sectional study was conducted and reported elsewhere. Methods: In total, 15 types of crude herbs were reported by the patients with chronic diseases attending government health clinic at Kampar, Perak. The herbs were extracted using hot and standard cold methods respectively. Results: All the 15 crude herbs’ hot and cold extracts revealed the presence of eight phytochemical compounds, namely, phenols, quinones, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, and alkaloids at varying intensity. Saponins, alkaloids, and glycosides were present in all the crude herbs extracts. However, terpenoids, tannins, and phenols were absent in Orthosiphon stamineus, Clinacanthus nutans, and Pandanus amaryllifolius extracts respectively. However, the cold extracts exhibited a higher intensity of phytochemicals compared to hot extracts. The present study confirms the presence of
phytochemicals in the local crude herbs consumed by patients with chronic diseases. The screened phytochemicals are bioactive compounds that possess medicinal properties that may trigger the patients to treat their diseases’ underlying conditions. However, the use of prescribed medicine, particularly among aging patients must be taken into account while consuming crude herbs. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that structured-evidence based crude herbs use interventions for patients with chronic diseases is warranted.