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Phytochemical Analysis Of Some Nigeria Medicinal Plants
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Tetrapleura tetraptera, one of the
medicinal plants in Nigerian, is known in the South eastern Nigeria as
“Uhiokirihoâ€. The documented biological or pharmacological activities
are found to be molluscidal, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, hypotensive,
anti conversant, anti-ulcerative, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.
The pods notably have an appealing culinary use for mothers from the
first day of delivery to post parturition and as a lactation aid. The
dry fruit has a characteristic pleasant aroma which makes it a popular
seasoning spice in the southern and Eastern Nigeria (Essient et al,
1994). At the same time, most of the folkloric chains agree in the
traditional use of the fruit for management of convulsion, leprosy,
inflammation and rheumatoid pains.
Neem (Azdirichta inidca) commonly
called “Indian Lilac†belongs to the family “Meliaceaeâ€. In Nigeria, the
plant is known by the name “Dogonyaroâ€. Neem possesses maximum useful
non-wood products (leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, seed, gum, oil, and
neem cake) than any other three species. These non-wood products are
known to have anti-allergenic, anti-dermatic, anti-feedent, anti-fungal,
anti-inflammatory, anti-pyorrhoeic, antiscabic, diuretic, insecticidal,
larvicidal, nematicidal, spermicidal and other biological activities.
Because of these activities, neem has found enormous applications making
it a green treasure. The extracts from neem are recommended in ancient
medicinal texts for gastrointestinal upsets, diarrhea and intestinal
infections, skin ulcers and infections, and malaria (Schmutterer, 1995).
Ginger
(Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a widely used herb and food –
flavouring agent. Its neutraceutical properties have long been of
interest to the food processing and pharmaceutical industries. The roots
are commonly used as spices. It is medicinally used for its
antioxidants, androgenic and hypoglycemic actions.
This work is thus
targeted at investigating the phytochemical constituents of the leaves
of these five Nigerian plants. Pawpaw, tetraplaura, Bitter kola, Neen
and Ginger.
1.2 Aims of the Study
The aim of this work is to investigate the chemical compounds present in the leaves of these medicinal plants.
1.3 Statement of Problem
Before
the advent of drugs, barks of trees, leaves, roots, etc have been used
to cure ailments. Then I want to carry out analysis to know the
constituents of these plants that helps to heal ailments, and as well to
know if these chemical compounds present in these leaves have any side
effect on those that consume them.
1.4 Significance of the Study
This work will help the general public
· To know the constituents of these plants
· To know the type of ailment each plant can heal
· To know if it has any side effect on the consumer
1.5 Scope of the Study
The
area this work mostly covered is Aku in Igbo Etiti Local Government
Area in Enugu State where these leaves were collected for analysis.
1.6 Limitation of the Study
This
work was carefully researched, but due to financial problem and power
failure, the work could not go the way I planed. This work will serve as
a basis for those that will carry out further research.
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ABSRACT - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]The percentage phytochemical composition of the leaves of pawpaw, bitter kola, tetrapleura, neem and ginger was investigated using the methods of the association of analytical chemists, harbone and the Alkaline picrate method. The saponin content of papaw, though not significantly different from bitter kola, was the highest among other plants while ginger had the least. Papaw and ginger whose tannin contents were statistically the same contained higher quantities of tannins than other plants whi ... Continue reading---
