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Phytochemical Analysis Of Some Nigeria Medicinal Plants
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Phytochemicals
are compounds that occur naturally in plants. They contribute to the
color, flavour, and smell of plants. In addition, they form part of a
plant’s natural defence mechanisms against diseases. Their therapeutic
values to human health and disease prevention have been reported (Okwu,
2004)
Pawpaw (Carica papaya) is a plant that belongs to the family of
caricaceae. It is a herbaceous succulent plant with self-supporting
stems. Elizabeth (1994) has reported that unripe pawpaw fruits has
therapeutic potential on patients with ulcer and impotence. Pawpaw
plants produce natural compounds (Annonaceous acetogenins) in leaf bark
and twig tissues that posses both highly anti-tumor and pesticide
properties. It has been suggested that a potentially lucrative industry
based simply on production of plant biomass could develop for production
of anti-cancer drugs, pending food and Drug Agency approval, and
natural pesticides. The high level of natural self-defence compounds in
the plant makes it highly resistant to insect and disease infestation.
Pawpaw leaf extract has been reported as a tumor-destroying agent
(Walter, 2008).
Fresh green papaw leaf possesses antiseptic
properties, while the brown, dried leaf can serve as a tonic and blood
purifier. Chewing the seeds of ripe pawpaw has a therapeutic value due
to its antiseptic quality. It cleans the intestines from bacteria, more
so that only a healthy intestine is able to absorb vitamin and minerals,
especially vitamin B12. Tea, prepared with the green papaya leaf,
promotes digestion and aids in the treatment of ailments such as chronic
indigestion, overweight, obesity, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure
and weakening of the heart (Mantok, 2005). Although there is sufficient
information on the phytochemical constitutes of the fruits, there is
scarcity of such information on the leaves.
Biter Kola (Garcinia
cola) is also known as an Africa wonder nut. It comes from Garcinia
cola trees, which belong to the family of Clusiaceas and it grows in the
coastal rainforests in the south western and south Eastern parts of
Nigeria. Traditionally these nuts were chewed as a masticatory
substance, to stimulate the flow of saliva (Leakey, 2001) but are now
widely consumed as snack in West and central Africa. The kernels of the
nuts are widely traded and eaten as a stimulant. Bitter kola is believed
to clean the digestive system, without side effects such as abdominal
problems, even when a lot of the nuts are eaten. In folk, G. Kola is
used in folklore remedies for the treatment of ailments such as liver
disorders, hepatitis, diarrhea laryngitis, bronchitis and gonorrhea
(Iwu, 1993). The seed is masticatory and also used to prevent and
relieve colic, chest colds, cough and can as well be used to treat
headache. This plant can be used for the treatment of jaundice, high
fever and as a purgative. The plant is also found useful in the
treatment of stomach ache and gastritis.
The phytochemical compounds
isolated from G. Kola include Oleoresin, tannins, saponins, alkaloids
cardiac glycosides. Other phytochemical compounds so far isolated from
G. Kola seeds are biflavonoids such as kola flavone and
2-hydroxybi-flanoids (Okunji et al, 2002). However, there is paucity of
such information on the leaves.
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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---
