Consumption of vegetables has been suggested to be a practical strategy in the management of several degenerative diseases. The present study characterized the phenolic constituents, assessed the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect and evaluated the antioxidant properties of hydrophilic extracts of redflower ragleaf (Crassocephalum crepidioides [Benth.] S. Moore [Asteraceae]) used as food and traditional medicine in Africa. The vegetable extract was found to be rich in phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid) and flavonoids (quercetin and rutin). Furthermore, the extract (IC₅₀ = 139.75 μg/mL) inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity in a dose‐dependent manner and had high antioxidant properties as typified by the radical scavenging abilities, reducing property, Fe²⁺ chelating ability and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in brain tissue (in vitro). These results reveal that the vegetable extract is a rich source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential.

Redflower ragleaf (Crassocephalum crepidioides) may be a good source of potential phenolic phytochemicals that act as natural antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and may be beneficial for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.