Composition and distribution of phytochemicals among selected mangrove woods in Elechi Creek, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Abstract

This study assessed the composition and distribution of phytochemicals (PC) amongst selected mangrove species’ woods in Elechi Creek located behind Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State using crude methanol extract and partitioned fractions for screening the presence of PC. The result showed that alkaloids and tannins were present (+) in all the species, Oxalate present Rhizophora harrisonii (Rh) and absent (-) in Rhizophora racemosa (Rr), Laguncularia racemosa (Lr) and Avicenna africana (Aa). Saponin was present in Rr, Rh and absent in Lr and Aa. Resin present in all except in Rh. Phenol was present in Rr and Aa and absent in Rh and Lr. PC was not significant (P>0.05) amongst all species but at the top was significant (P<0.05). PC at base; Lr (25.66%)>Rh (24.75%)>Rr (22.47%)>Aa(21.68%) and middle, Lr (23.10%) >Rh (21.33%)>Rr (20.96% )>Aa (19.60%). Contrariwise, at top, Rh (20.19%)>Rr (19.28%)>Aa and Lr (18.10% and 18.52%) respectively. Radially, PC in bark of Rr, Rh and Aa> in Lr (Y=-1.49x+29.45:r²=0.212), followed by heartwood which was almost the same in all the species except in Lr (Y=0.504x+21.26, r²=0.044) and the lowest PC was in sapwood and followed by heartwood. PC almost the same in all the species except in Lr highest (Y=0.268x+15.44, r²=0.006). Mangrove species phytochemicals should be harnessed and utilised industrially.

Keywords: Phytochemical content, Rhizophora spp, Laguncularia racemosa