APPLIED SCIENCE RESEARCH JOURNAL. 2014 VOL 2 (1) 10 – 26
H
RN
U
A LS
PO N SC
http://www.ponpublishers.org
ARLY J O
OL
App. Sci. Res. J
Original Research Paper
2014 Vol 2 (1) 10 – 26
ISSN:
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PROXIMATE
ANALYSIS OF SEVEN NIGERIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS
1Osuntokun
O.T and 2Olajubu F.A
1&2
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science,
Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, P.M.B 001,Ondo state, Nigeria
E-mail-osuntokun4m@yahoo.com
Telephone No-08063813635, 08056096672,08023931914
ABSTRACT
Background and Aims --The purpose of this present study of seven Nigerian
medicinal plants is to ascertain the medicinal, phytochemical and proximate
constituents of the plants. The plants are .Acacia albida Del, Anchomanes difformis
Engl, Boscia senegalensis, Bridelia ferruginea Benth, Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq,
Indigofera arrecta Hochst and Moringa oleifera Lam.
Methods – The quantitative and qualitative method for the screening of Medicinal
plants, Mineral, Anti-minerals and Proximate analysis were used in this
investigation.
Result – the data showed that, all the seven medicinal plants has various degree of
phytochemical constituents which is useful to human health, the phytochemicals are
Alkaloids, Phenols, Flavonoids, Saponins and Tannins. it was also observed that
the seven medicinal plant contains various form of minerals and anti-nutrients in
various percentages. The proximate constituent of the plants were also elucidate and it
was observed that the proximate contains were present in various degree, which
makes the plants to have more medicinal values and in use for different purposes and
ailments.
Conclusion - In this present study, it was observed that some Nigerian plants have
medicinal values.it is recommended that measures must be taken to improve their
production and cultivation for purpose of extracting drugs from this plants which will
serve as a valuable tools for management of some ailment in our locality.
Key words- Phytochemical screening, phytonutrient ,Minerals, Anti-minerals,
Proximate constituent of the plant extract.
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(terpenoides), pigmentation (tannins
and quinines), and flavour (Capsacin)
(Mallikharjuna, et al., 2007). However,
these defensive molecules give plants
their medicinal value which is
appreciated by human beings because of
their great importance in health care of
individuals and communities.
Introduction
In Nigerian traditional medicine, many
indigenous plant are widely used in
the treatment of various infectious
diseases; such plants includes Acacia
albida, Anchomanes difformis, Boscia
senegalensis,
Bridelia ferruginea,
Ficus ingens, Indigofera arrecta,
Moringa
oleifera,
Mormodica
basalmina,
Pavetta
crassipes,
Phyllanthus amarus and Vernonia
bluemoides. Many of these plants have
records of widespread claims of
therapeutic
effectiveness
against
infectious and non infectious diseases
across Northern Nigeria, West Africa
and beyond (Burkill, 1995).
Plants extracts or their active
ingredients have enormous therapeutic
potentials (Iwu et al., 1999) and the
continued
investigation
of their
secondary metabolites has led to
important
breakthrough
in
Pharmacology
and has
helped
tremendously in the development of
modern pharmacotherapeutics in Africa
and other parts of the world (Doerge,
et al., 1971; Nwaogu, et al., 2007).
Plants have a limitless ability to
synthesize aromatic substances mainly
secondary metabolites, of which at
least 12,000 have been isolated, a
number estimated to be less than 10%
of the total (Mallikharjuna, et al., 2007).
The
synthesized
aromatic
substances (metabolites) are used by
plants as defensive molecules against
predation by microorganisms, insects
and herbivores. However, some of
which may involve in plant odour
What are Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals
are
chemical
compounds that occur naturally in plants,
Some are responsible for color and other
organoleptic properties, such as the deep
purple of blueberries and the smell of
garlic. The term is generally used to refer
to those chemicals that may have
biological significance, for example
antioxidants. but are not established as
essential nutrients. Scientists estimate
that there may be as many as 10,000
different phytochemicals having the
potential to affect diseases such as
cancer, stroke or metabolic syndrome.
(Adom 2002)
Phytochemicals are non-nutritive
plant chemicals that have protective or
disease preventive properties. They are
nonessential nutrients, meaning that they
are not required by the human body for
sustaining life. It is well-known that plant
produce these chemicals to protect
themselves
but
recent
research
demonstrate that they can also protect
humans against diseases. There are more
than thousand known phytochemicals.
Some of the well-known phytochemicals
are lycopene in tomatoes, isoflavones in
soy
and
flavonoids
in
fruits.
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stimulate enzymes that make the
estrogen less effective and could
reduce the risk for breast cancer.
Other
phytochemicals,
which
interfere with enzymes, are protease
inhibitors (soy and beans), terpenes
(citrus fruits and cherries).
Phytochemicals as Nutrients
Without specific knowledge of their
cellular
actions
or
mechanisms,
phytochemicals have been considered as
drugs for millennia. For example,
Hippocrates may have prescribed willow
tree leaves to abate fever. Salicin. having
anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving
properties, was originally extracted from
the bark of the white willow tree and later
synthetically produced became the staple
over-the-counter drug aspirin.
Some
phytochemicals
with
physiological properties may be elements
rather than complex organic molecules.
For example, selenium, which is
abundant in many fruits and vegetables,
is involved with major metabolic
pathways, including thyroid hormone
metabolism and immune function (Brown
2001). Particularly, it is an essential
nutrient and cofactor for the enzymatic
synthesis of glutathione, an endogenous
antioxidant (Papp 2007).
How do phytochemicals work?
There are many phytochemicals and each
works differently. These are some
possible actions:

Antioxidant - Most phytochemicals
have antioxidant activity and protect
our cells against oxidative damage
and reduce the risk of developing
certain
types
of
cancer.
Phytochemicals with antioxidant
activity: allyl sulfides (onions, leeks,
garlic), carotenoids (fruits, carrots),
flavonoids
(fruits,
vegetables),
polyphenols (tea, grapes).

Hormonal action - Isoflavones,
found in soy, imitate human
estrogens and help to reduce
menopausal
symptoms
and
osteoporosis.

Stimulation of enzymes - Indoles,
which are found in cabbages,

Interference with DNA replication
- Saponins found in beans interfere
with the replication of cell DNA,
thereby preventing the multiplication
of cancer cells. Capsaicin, found in
hot peppers, protects DNA from
carcinogens.

Anti-bacterial
effect
The
phytochemical allicin from garlic has
anti-bacterial properties.

Physical
action
Some
phytochemicals bind physically to
cell walls thereby preventing the
adhesion of pathogens to human cell
walls.
Proanthocyanidins
are
responsible for the anti-adhesion
properties
of
cranberry.
Consumption of cranberries will
reduce the risk of urinary tract
infections and will improve dental
health. (Bongoni 2013)
How
do
we
get
enough
phytochemicals?
Foods containing phytochemicals are
already part of our daily diet. In fact,
most foods contain phytochemicals
except for some refined foods such as
sugar or alcohol. Some foods, such as
whole grains, vegetables, beans, fruits
and herbs, contain many phytochemicals.
The easiest way to get more
phytochemicals is to eat more fruit
(blueberries, cranberries, cherries, apple,
and vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage,
carrots, broccoli. It is recommended take
daily at least 5 to 9 servings of fruits or
vegetable. Fruits and vegetables are also
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rich in minerals, vitamins and fibre and
low in saturated fat (Rao 2007).
of this family of phytonutrients as being
precursors to vitamin A, but fewer than
10 percent have vitamin A activity.
Among the carotenes, only alpha, beta
and epsilon carotene possess vitamin A
activity. Of these, beta carotene is the
most active. Alpha carotene possesses 50
percent to 54 percent of the antioxidant
activity of beta carotene, whereas epsilon
carotene has 42 percent to 50 percent of
the antioxidant activity. The abovementioned carotenes, along with gamma
carotene and the carotenes lycopene and
lutein, which do not convert to vitamin
A, seem to offer protection against lung,
colorectal, breast, uterine and prostate
cancers.3 Carotenes are tissue-specific in
their protection. Overall protective effects
are therefore greater when all carotenes
are taken together. Carotenes also
enhance immune response and protect
skin cells against UV radiation.4
Additionally,
they
"spare"
the
glutathionine Phase II detoxification
enzymes in the liver that we rely on to
safely eliminate pollutants and toxins
from the body.
The
xanthophyll
type
of
carotenoids also include many interesting
molecules.
One
xanthophyll,
canthaxantin, was popular as a tanning
pill a few years ago. It migrates to the
skin and protects it from sunlight. Other
important
xanthophylls
are
cryptoxanthin,
zeaxanthin
and
astaxanthin.
Xanthophylls are important
because they appear to protect vitamin A,
vitamin E and other carotenoids from
oxidation. Evidence is emerging that
xanthophylls
are
tissue
specific.
Cryptoxanthin, for example, may be
highly protective of vaginal, uterine and
cervical tissues.
Major Classes of Phytonutrient
Terpenes-Terpenes such as those found
in green foods, soy products and grains,
comprise one of the largest classes of
phytonutrients. The most intensely
studied terpenes are carotenoids--as
evidenced by the many recent studies on
beta carotene. The terpenes function as
antioxidants, protecting lipids, blood and
other body fluids from assault by free
radical oxygen species including singlet
oxygen,
hydroxyl,
peroxide
and
superoxide radicals. Terpenoids are
dispersed widely throughout the plant
kingdom, protecting plants from the same
reactive oxygen species that attack
human cells(Higdonm 2007).
Carotenoids-This
terpene
subclass
consists of bright yellow, orange and red
plant pigments found in vegetables such
as tomatoes, parsley, oranges, pink
grapefruit, spinach and red palm oil. We
even find carotenoids lending bright
colors to animals; flamingos owe their
color to carotenoids, as do shellfish. Egg
yolks are yellow because of carotenoids
that protect the unsaturated fats in the
yolk(Liu 2007).
The carotenoid family actually
includes two distinct types of molecules.
One type, the carotenes, are chemically
classified as 40-carbon tetraterpenes,
which do not include specific chemical
features like hydroxyl or keto groups.
This type of carotenoid includes the
familiar molecule beta carotene. The
second type of carotenoids, the
xanthophylls, includes the chemical
compounds known as the carotenoid
alcohols and keto-carotenoids. In this
second category are included the
molecules zeaxanthin, cryotpxanthin, and
astazanthin.
There are more than 600 naturally
occurring carotenoids. Most people think
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violet colorations seen in berries, grapes
and purple eggplant are due to their
phenolic content. Bilberries, for example,
are high in phenolic anthocyanidins and
are red in color. The outstanding
phytonutrient feature of phenols is their
ability to block specific enzymes that
cause inflammation. They also modify
the prostaglandin pathways and thereby
protect platelets from clumping. (Walke
1993).
Limonoids-This terpene subclass, found
in citrus fruit peels, appears to be
specifically directed to protection of lung
tissue. In one study, a standardized
extract of d-limonene, pinene and
eucalyptol was effective in clearing
congestive mucus from the lungs of
patients with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (Rosa 2010).
Additionally, limonoids may be
specific chemopreventive agents. In
animal studies, results suggest that the
chemotherapeutic activity of limonoids
can be attributed to induction of both
Phase I and Phase II detoxification
enzymes in the liver.
Phytosterols-Sterols occur in most plant
species. Although green and yellow
vegetables contain significant amounts,
their seeds concentrate the sterols. Most
of the research on these valuable
phytonutrients has been done on the
seeds of pumpkins, yams, soy, rice and
herbs. Phytosterols compete with dietary
cholesterol for uptake in the intestines.
They have demonstrated the ability to
block the uptake of cholesterol (to which
they are structurally related) and facilitate
its excretion from the body. Cholesterol
has long been implicated as a significant
risk factor in cardiovascular disease. Are
other dietary factors important as well?
(Papp 2007).
Other
investigations
have
revealed that phytosterols block the
development of tumors in colon, breast
and prostate glands. The mechanisms by
which this occurs are not well
understood, but we do know that
phytosterols appear to alter cell
membrane transfer in tumor growth and
reduce inflammation
Flavonoids-Phytonutrients of this phenol
subclass enhance the effects of ascorbatevitamin C. Flavonoids were once lumped
together as vitamin P, but there are well
over 1,500 of them. Here is a partial
listing:
* Flavones (containing the flavonoid
apigenin found in chamomile);
* Flavonols (quercetin--grapefruit;
rutin--buckwheat;
ginkgoflavonglycosides--ginkgo);
* Flavanones (hesperidin--citrus fruits;
silybin--milk thistle);
The biologic activities of flavonoids
include
action
against
allergies,
inflammation, free radicals, hepatotoxins,
platelet aggregation, microbes, ulcers,
viruses and tumors.
Flavonoids also inhibit specific
enzymes. For example, flavonoids block
the
angiotensin-converting
enzyme
(ACE) that raises blood pressure: By
blocking
the
"suicide"
enzyme
cyclooxygenase that breaks down
prostaglandins, they prevent platelet
stickiness and hence platelet aggregation.
Flavonoids also protect the vascular
system and strengthen the tiny capillaries
that carry oxygen and essential nutrients
to all cells.
Additionally, flavonoids block the
enzymes that produce estrogen, thus
reducing the risk of estrogen-induced
Phenols-These phytonutrients comprise a
large class that has been the subject of
extensive research as a disease
preventive. Phenols protect plants from
oxidative damage and perform the same
function for humans. Blue, blue-red and
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cancers. One way they do this is by
blocking estrogen synthsase, an enzyme
that works overtime in binding estrogen
to receptors in several organs.
Although their way of doing so is
not yet fully understood, flavonoids also
appear to retard development of cataracts
in individuals with inborn errors in sugar
metabolism such as diabetes. Cataracts
can be a complication of diabetes because
diabetics, unable to metabolize sugar
normally, build up damaging levels of
"alcohol sugars." These in turn cause
clouding of the lens of the eye (cataract).
It is suspected flavonoids prevent
cataracts by blocking aldose-reductase (a
digestive enzyme), which can convert the
sugar galactose into the potentially
harmful form of galacticol.
be responsible for the protective benefits
of this beverage (Balch 1997).
Isoflavones-Phytonutrients of this phenol
subclass come from beans and other
legumes and are distant cousins of
flavonoids. Isoflavones function much
like flavonoids in that they effectively
block enzymes that promote tumor
growth. Best known isoflavones are
genistein and daidzein found in soy
products and the herb Pueraria lobata
(Kudzu). People who consume traditional
diets rich in soy foods rarely experience
breast, uterine and prostate cancers.
(Balch 1997).
Pueraria has gained popularity as an aid
for those who consume alcohol because it
appears to alter the activity of alcohol
detoxification enzymes, namely the speed
at which alcohol dehydrogenase converts
alcohol into aldehydes. The result is a
lowered tolerance for alcohol and
reduction of the pleasure response to
drinking it.
Anthocyanidins-This select group of
flavonoids deserves special attention.
Technically known as "flavonals," they
provide crosslinks or "bridges" that
connect and strengthen the intertwined
strands of collagen protein. Collagen is
the most abundant protein in the body,
making up soft tissues, tendons,
ligaments and bone matrix. Its great
tensile strength depends on preservation
of its crosslinks (Walke 1993).
Thiols-Phytonutrients of this sulfurcontaining class are present in garlic and
cruciferous vegetables (i.e., cabbage,
turnips and members of the mustard
family). (Balch 1997).
Anthocyanidins, being water soluble,
also scavenge free radicals they
encounter in tissue fluids. This is a
powerful ability especially beneficial for
athletes and others who exercise, because
heavy exercise generates large amounts
of free radicals. (Walke 1993).
Glucosinolates-Found in cruciferous
vegetables, glucosinolates are powerful
activators
of
liver
detoxification
enzymes. They also regulate white blood
cells and cytokines.14 White blood cells
are the scavengers of the immune system
and cytokines act as "messengers,"
coordinating the activities of all immune
cells. (Balch 1997)
Bio-transformation products of
glucosinolates include isothiocyanates,
dithiolthiones and sulforaphane. Each of
these is protective of specific tissues.
Their actions involve blocking enzymes
that promote tumor growth, particularly
in the breast, liver, colon, lung, stomach
and esophagus.
Catechins, Gallic Acids-Catechins differ
slightly in chemical structure from other
flavonoids,
but
share
their
chemoprotective properties. The most
common catechins are gallic esters,
named epicatechin (EC), epicatechin
gallate (ECG), and epigallocatechin
gallate (EGCG). All are found in green
tea, Camellia sinensis, and are thought to
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Allylic Sulfides-Garlic and onions are
the most potent members of this thiol
subclass, which also includes leeks,
shallots and chives. The allylic sulfides in
these plants are released when the plants
are cut or smashed. Once oxygen reaches
the
plants'
cells,
various
biotransformation products are formed. Each
of these appears to have tissue specificity.
As a group, allylic sulfides appear to
possess
antimutagenic
and
anticarcinogenic properties as well as
immune and cardiovascular protection.
They also appear to offer anti-growth
activity for tumors, fungi, parasites,
cholesterol
and
platelet/leukocyte
adhesion factors. (Murray,and Michael
1998)
Garlic and onions, like their
cruciferous relatives, can also activate
liver detoxification enzyme systems.
Specific allylic sulfides block the activity
of toxins produced by bacteria and
viruses
Tocotrienols
And
TocopherolsTocotrienols naturally occur in grains and
palm oil along with their cousins,
tocopherols. Toco-trienols appear to
inhibit breast cancer cell growth, whereas
tocopherols do not exhibit this effect.
Researchers have observed that the
biologic functions of tocopherols and
tocotrienols
appear
unrelated.
Tocotrienols have been most studied,
however, for their cholesterol lowering
effects. (Murray,and Michael 1998.)
Lipoic Acid & Ubiquinone-Lipoic acid
and ubiquinone (coenzyme Q) are
important antioxidants that work to
extend the effects of other antioxidants.
In terms of research, lipoic acid is the
"new kid on the block." It is an efficient
hydroxyl radical quencher, its sulfur bond
being the reactive part of the molecule. It
is active on both lipids and tissue fluids.
In addition to hydroxyl radicals, it
scavenges
peroxyl,
ascorbyl
and
chromanoxyl radicals. Because it
functions in both lipid and water phases,
it is protective of both vitamin E and
vitamin C. Lipoic acid also protects SOD,
catalase and glutathione, which are all
important
in
liver
detoxification
activities. The roles of both lipoic acid
and ubiquinone as antioxidants have been
discovered relatively recently. Both have
important
roles
in
energy
production(Edeoga, 2005).
Indoles-This
subclass
includes
phytonutrients that interact with vitamin
C, which is not surprising since the
vegetables that contain indoles also
contain significant amounts of vitamin C.
Indole
complexes
bind
chemical
carcinogens and activate detoxification
enzymes, mostly in the gastrointestinal
tract. The bio-transformation products of
indoles are formed when they are acted
on by stomach acid. The most active
product is "ascorbigen," considered to be
an active vitamin C "metabolite
(Murray,and Michael 1998).
Benefits of Phytochemical to Human
Health
Phytonutrients were unknown until a few
years ago, but their discovery is hailed as
being as important to that of vitamins.
These non-nutritive compounds (no,
they're not vitamins or minerals) give
fruit its flavour and colour.
Most importantly, there is
growing scientific consensus that they
play a crucial (but little understood) role
in the prevention of chronic, degenerative
disease, including many cancers.
Isoprenoids -Isoprenoids neutralize free
radicals in a unique way. They have a
long carbon side chain which they use to
anchor themselves into fatty membranes.
Any free radicals attempting to attach
lipid (fat) membranes are quickly
grabbed and passed off to other
antioxidants.
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Phytonutrients can also lower cholesterol,
reduce blood pressure, detoxify blood,
relieve allergies and are powerful
antioxidants.
Just when you thought you'd
learned everything there is to know about
anti-oxidants, you< may have started
reading reports about phytochemicals.
They may sound futuristic, but the name
is just the most recent label emphasizing
the plant source of most of these
protective compounds. What is "new"
about phytochemicals is recent research
about the disease-preventing possibilities
they hold. You may be thinking that until
now you had never heard of
phytonutrients, but this is probably not
the case. (Edeoga, 2005).
Just as vitamins have specific
names such as B6 or E, phytonutrients
have individual names as well, and lately
some of them are getting to be quite wellknown. For example, the phytonutrient
lycopene has received a lot of attention
for its ability to reduce levels of prostate
cancer in men, and millions of women
are enjoying relief from menopausal
symptoms thanks to isoflavone, a
phytonutrient found in soybeans. Another
common group of phytonutrients is the
bioflavonoids, a popular ingredient in
many supplements(Edeoga, 2005).
Phytochemicals are certain organic
components of plants which scientists
have isolated as being beneficial to
human health in a different way from
traditional anti-oxidants. They are
sometimes referred to as phytonutrients,
but unlike the traditional nutrients
(protein, fat, vitamins, minerals), they are
not "essential" for life so the term
phytochemical is more accurate. Still, a
true nutritional role for phytochemicals is
becoming more probable every day as
researchers uncover more and more
benefits.
It
is
possible
that
phytochemicals may indeed someday be
classified as essential nutrients.
Phytochemicals have proven to be
beneficial in many ways. They may serve
as anti-oxidants in a bodily system when
required; for example, the phytochemical
beta-carotene can metabolize to create
vitamin A, a powerful anti-oxidant.
Additionally,
phytochemicals
may
enhance immune response and cell-tocell communication, allowing for the
body's built- in defences to work more
efficiently. Phytochemicals may even
alter estrogen metabolism, cause cancer
cells to die (apoptosis), repair DNA
damage caused by smoking and other
toxic exposure, and detoxify carcinogens
by working with bodily enzymes.
Materials
and
Methods
for
Phytochemical Screening Methods.
The extract were analysed for the
presence of Alkaloid, Glycosides,
Tannins, Saponins,
Anthraquinones,
Anthocyanosides, Flavonoids, Reducing
sugars, Cyanogenic. The plant were
collected in Ikare Akoko, a tropical
rainforest,Ondo
State,Nigeria
with
latitude (7.21692 North) and longitutide
(5.21561 East). (Edeoga et al.,2005,Wall
et al,.(1952), review and modified by
Sofowora (1993).
Qualitative Method of Analyses
Plant filtrate were prepared by boiling
20g of the fresh plant in distilled water.
The solution was filtered through a
vacuum pump. The filtrate were used for
the
phytochemical
screening
for
flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids,
reducing sugars, anthraquinones and
anthocyanosides.
(i).Test for Alkaloids
About 0.2gram were warmed with 2% of
H2SO4 for two minutes, it was filtered
and few drops of Dragendoff's reagent
were added. Orange red precipitate
indicate the present of Alkaloids (Trease
and Evans 1989).
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and heated to boil (Trease and Evans
1989).
(ii) Test for Tannins
One milliliter of the filtrate was mixed
with 2m1 of FeC1,A dark green colour
indicated a positive test for the tannins.
(ix) Test for Cardiac glucosides
Legal test and the killer-kiliani was
adopted, 0.5g of the extract were added to
2ml of acetic anhydrate plus H2S04
(Trease and Evans 1989)
(iii) Test for Saponins
One milliliter of the plant filtrate were
diluted with 2 ml of distilled water; the
mixture were vigorously shaken and left
to stand for 10min during which time, the
development of foam on the surface of
the mixture lasting for more than 10mm,
indicates the presence of saponins.
Quantitative Method of Analyses
(i) Saponins
About 20grams each of dried plant
samples were ground and, put into a
conical flask after which 100 ml of 20 %
aqueous ethanol were added. The mixture
were heated using a hot water bath. At
about 55OC, for 4 hour with continuous
stirring, after which the mixture were
filtered and the residue re-extracted with
a further 200 ml of 20% ethanol. The
combined extracts were reduced to 40 ml
over a water bath at about 90°C. The
concentrate was transferred into a 250 ml
separatory funnel and 20 rnl of diethyl
ether were
added and then shaken
vigorously. The aqueous layer were
recovered while the ether layer was
discarded. The purification process was
repeated three times. 60 rnl of n-butanol
were added. The combined n-butanol
extracts were washed twice with 10 m1
of 5% aqueous sodium chloride. The
remaining solution were heated in a water
bath. After evaporation, the samples were
dried in the oven to a constant weight; the
saponin content was calculated as
percentage of the starting material
(iv) Test for Anthraquinones
One milliliter of the plant filtrate were
shaken with 10ml of benzene; the
mixture was filtered and 5 ml of 10 %
(v/v) ammonia were added, then shaken
and observed. A pinkish solution
indicates a positive test
(v).Test for Anthocyanosides
One milliliter of the plant filtrate were
mixed with 5 m1 of dilute HCI; a pale
pink colour indicates the positive test.
(vi) Test for Flavonoids
One milliliter of plant filtrate were mixed
with 2 m1 of 10% lead acetate; a
brownish precipitate indicated a positive
test for the phenolic flavonoids. While
for flavonoids, I m1 of the plant filtrate
were mixed with 2m1 of dilute NaOH; a
golden yellow colour indicated the
presence of flavonoids (Edeoga et
ai.,2005)
(vii) Test for Reducing Sugars
One milliliter of the plant filtrate was
mixed with Fehling A and Fehling B
separately; a brown colour with Fehling
B and a green colour with Fehling A
indicate the presence of reducing sugars.
(ii) Flavonoids
About 10 g of the plant sample were
extracted repeatedly with 100 ml of 80%
aqueous methanol, at room temperature.
The whole solution were filtered through
Whatman filter paper No 42. The filtrate
were later transferred into a crucible and
evaporated into dryness over a water
bath; the dry content were weighed to a
constant weight (Edeoga et al.,2005).
(viii) Test for Cyanogenic glucosides
This was carried out subjecting 0.5g of
the extract 10ml sterile water filtering
and adding sodium picrate to the filtrate
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of 10% acetic acid in ethanol was then be
added, the reaction mixture were covered
and allowed to stand for 4 hour. This
were filtered and the extract will be
concentrated on a water bath to onequarter of the original volume.
Concentrated ammonium hydroxide was
added drop-wise to the extract until the
precipitation is complete. The whole
solution were allowed to settle and the
precipitate was collected, washed with
dilute ammonium hydroxide and then
filtered; the residue being the alkaloid,
which was dried and weighed to a
constant mass (Trease and Evans 1989).
(iii) Cardiac glucosides
Legal test and the killer-kiliani was
adopted, 0.5g of the extract were added to
2ml of acetic anhydrate plus H2S04
(Trease and Evans 1989)
(iv) Tannins
About 500 mg of the plant sample were
weighed into a 50 ml plastic bottle. 50 ml
of distilled water was added and shaken
for 1 hour on a mechanical shaker. This
was filtered into a 50 ml volumetric flask
and made up to the marked level. Then, 5
ml of the filtrate was transferred into a
test tube and mixed with 2 ml of 0.1M
FeCl in 0.1M Hcl and 0.008M potassium
ferrocyanide. The absorbance were
measured at 120nm within 10 minutes.
The tannins content was calculated using
a standard curve of extract
(vi) Phlobatannins
About 0.5grams of each plant extracts
were dissolved in distilled water and
filtered. The filtrate were boiled in 2%
HCl, red precipitate show the present of
phlobatannins.
(v) Alkaloids
Five grams of the plant sample were
weighed into a 250 ml beaker and 200ml
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RESULTS
TABLE 1; Qualitative Analysis of the Phytochemical Screening of Medicinal
plant
Key
A= Acacia albida B = Anchomanes difformis,. C= Boscia senegalensis, D- Bridelia
ferruginea E= Ficus ingens
F=.Indigofera arrecta
G = Moringa oleifera
Sample
Alkaloid
Glycoside
Steroid
Anthraquinone
Phenol
Tannins
Saponin
Flavonoids
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
- ve
+ ve
+ ve
-ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
- ve
+ ve
- ve
- ve
- ve
+ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
- ve
+ ve
+ ve
+ ve
-ve
+ ve
- ve
+ ve
- ve
- ve
+ ve
TABLE 2- Quantitative Analyses of Minerals Present in Plant Extract (mg/100g).
Plant
sample
used
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Na
K
Ca
Mg
Zn
Fe
Pb
Cu
Mn
P
22.73
20.56
14.59
19.00
20.92
21.33
20.00
29.11
22,34
14.20
23.98
23.12
43.21
26.14
30.45
21.89
18.77
22.12
29.34
16.50
31.46
26.05
22.10
22.10
23.34
24.78
26.37
22.05
28.04
20.89
21.59
16.89
17.34
17.75
25.03
7.88
5.92
22.10
22.12
20.34
4.36
5.77
ND
ND
2.24
3.56
2.78
ND
ND
0.03
0.04
1.20
2.16
3.00
ND
0.01
6.00
6.34
6.23
5.79
4.92
14.33
6.20
24.51
25,91
17.90
18.78
27.64
88.43
25.12
Key
A= Acacia albida Del
B = Anchomanes difformis Engl. C= Boscia senegalensis
(PERS) Lam., D- Bridelia ferruginea Benth
E= Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq.
F=.Indigofera arrecta Hochst,
G = Moringa oleifera Lam.
TABLE 3- Quantitative Analyses Of Anti –nutrients Present in Plant Extracts
Result in Percentage (%)
Parameters
Tannin
Phenol
Phylate
Oxalate
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
2.20
2.50
16.30
3.66
2.10
3.57
15.27
3.74
2.32
2.56
15.68
6.57
2.37
2.49
15.79
6.51
2.30
3.49
12.33
8.51
2.25
3.45
12.45
8.55
ND
ND
2.25
1.50
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Saponin
Flavonoid
Alkaloids
13.87
8.59
3.23
14.04
8.52
1.25
9.78
6.43
4.25
9.70
6.56
4.31
7.52
10.38
4.36
7.61
10.41
4.37
1.67
ND
KEY
A= Acacia albida Del
B = Anchomanes difformis Engl. C= Boscia senegalensis
(PERS) Lam.,
D- Bridelia ferruginea Benth
E= Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq.
F=.Indigofera arrecta Hochst,
G = Moringa oleifera Lam.
TABLE 4- Qualitative analyses Of Proximate Composition of Plant Extracts
S/N
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
% Ash
10.67
11.69
9.37
9.39
8.72
8.78
10.53
% MC
9.31
9.46
3.74
3.79
7.32
7.33
9.00
% CP
13.33
12.87
14.68
14.72
16.25
16.19
14.45
% Fat
6.43
6.46
7.22
6.82
5.34
5.40
6.50
% Fibre
11.49
11.41
4.33
4.46
8.53
8.50
10.37
%CHO
46.00
47.12
60.55
60.90
53.72
53.79
42.00
Keys:
MC=Moisture content
CP=Crude protein.
CHO=Carbohydrate
A= Acacia albida Del
B = Anchomanes difformis Engl. C= Boscia senegalensis
(PERS) Lam., D- Bridelia ferruginea Benth
E= Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq.
F=.Indigofera arrecta Hochst,
G = Moringa oleifera Lam.
The relative quality and quantity of
various mineral content of the medicinal
plants were studied. The include
Sodium(Na),
Potassium
(K),
Calcium(Ca) , Magnesium(Mg), Zinc
(Zn), Iron(Fe), Lead(Pb), Copper (Cu)
and Phosphorus (P) . was also observed
that Lead were not found or Not
determined
in
Acacia
albida,
Anchomanes difformis, Indigofera
arrecta and Moringa oleifera, all other
minerals were present while Ficus ingens
(Miq.) is the most active of the Nigerian
medicinal plants that were tested,
because, it contains all minerals in large
or appreciable quantity. The body system
needs lead in little or less quantity, if the
quantity of Lead increases abruptly, it
will affect the body system, this is one of
the reason medicinal plants were used in
Discussion
The most striking finding in this present
study is that all the seven plant contain
important phytochemical which are
useful to the body system and physical
wellbeing, without this phytochemical,
the body system may not function well
and the system is prone to attack from
various microorganism and opportunistic
infection. In this present investigation, it
was also observed that phytochemicals
were present in appreciable quantity in
Acacia albida
and Anchomanes
difformis,
with
the
absent
of
Anthraquinone. Boscia senegalensis that
lack Flavonoids.Bridelia ferruginea and
Moringa oleifera, Alkaloid and Saponin
were not present. both Steroid and
Flavonoids were absent in Ficus ingens
and Indigofera arrecta.
21
APPLIED SCIENCE RESEARCH JOURNAL. 2014 VOL 2 (1) 10 – 26
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the part of the world, Lead is poisonous.
Okwu and Okwu,2004.
It were observed that the plant
under study contain Anti-nutrients like
Oxalate, Flavonoids, Phytate, Tanins,
Saponin and Alkoloids. It was observed
that
Phytate
,Saponin,
Ovalate,
Flavonoids and Alkaloids were in large
quantity, the present of phenol and
Tannin were of little quantity. Okwu and
Okwu,2004. Okwu,2004 reported that
Saponins found in beans which interfere
with the replication of cell DNA, thereby
preventing the multiplication of cancer
cells. Capsaicin, found in hot peppers,
protects DNA from carcinogens to
mention some of the usefukness of some
anti –nutrient found in the medicinal
plants.
Proximate composition of plant
extracts were elucidated under this
present study.It was observed that Ash,
Moisture content, Crude protein, Fat
Fiber and Carbohydrate were all
present in all of the plant extract in
different percentages. Carbohydrate were
more pronounce in the plants extract with
range between42% to 60%, then crude
protein between 13 % -16%, then
Fiber(98%
11%),Ash(8%
11%),Moisture content (7% - 9%) and fat
content with the least percentage between
5% and 6%. The observable fixture is
that the plants were edible because of the
nutrient they content, especially in
Nigeria and West Africa, they use plant
for various food condiments, like
Vegetable and etc. some part of South
Africa, use the plants for food and cure
for various aliment. (Abu-Shanab 2005).
The active ingredient if contains
and how this ingredient can be used for
the cure of different illnesses which has
been elucidated in the research work.
Phytochemical must be consumed by
human being, because of the various
metabolic activity in human system.
Animals like goat and other ruminant that
consume raw plant we never found to be
sick, becaiuse of the raw plant they
consume on dally bases and this plant
contain the so called phytochemical.
Human should also inculcate the use of
this phytochemical in their dally bases,
for food, drugs, research and all
ramification of life, in other to prevent
infection and diseases
Conclusion
The use of medicinal plant were dated to
200-500 BC, this shows that plant were
necessary to human survival. the plant
under study namely Acacia albida Del
Anchomanes difformis Engl, Boscia
senegalensis, Bridelia ferruginea Benth,
Ficus ingens (Miq.) Miq, Indigofera
arrecta Hochst and Moringa oleifera
Lam were used for the cure of different
disease and infection, to encourage its
cultivation and discourage its destruction,
all in the name of urbanization and
westernization of our environment, if the
plant goes to extinction, it will be
difficult to find a cure to some infection,
recent advancement to the production of
new antibiotics drug, the usefulness of
various phytochemical and the quantities
and quality of nutrient and anti-nutrient
present in our daily food consumption.
Authors contribution
Osuntokun Oludare Temitope –
Researcher,
research
into
the
phytochemical properties of various
medicinal plants in Nigeria and Africa.
and design the material and methods used
in the course of the research work .
Olajubu Festus .A
-Researcher, Helps
in proof reading, constructive criticism of
the manuscript, also help to design the
materials and methods.
Acknowledgements- The laboratory staff
of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba
Akoko, Ondo State,and the Heads of
Microbiology Department of Adekunle
Ajasin University and all member of staff
in the noble department.
22
APPLIED SCIENCE RESEARCH JOURNAL. 2014 VOL 2 (1) 10 – 26
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Vivo Antioxidant Properties".
Journal
of medicinal food 4
(1): 9–15.
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