Phytochemical analysis of the leaf, stem bark and root of some anti-malarial plants used in South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Quantitative phytochemical analysis of the leaf, stem bark and root of some antimalarial plants common in South-Western Nigeria was carried out. Results obtained showed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and phenolic acids in various concentrations in the different plant parts analysed. A high composition of phytochemicals was observed in the leaves, which confirms their frequency of usage in traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria. Of the various plants analysed, Mangifera indica leaves and stem bark had the highest tannin (176.3±1.5 mg/kg Garlic acid equivalents) and alkaloid (7350.3±2.5 mg/kg GAE) contents, respectively. Flavonoids were significantly highest (p<0.05) in the roots of Vernonia amygdalina (5055.0±3.0 mg/kg GAE). Terpenoid content was highest in the leaves of Khaya senegalensis and Psidium guajava (164.0±1.0 mg/kg GAE). Saponin content was generally low but was significantly highest (p<0.05) in the stem bark of Tithonia diversifolia (98,260.0±5.0 mg/kg GAE) while phenolic acid content was highest in the roots of Citrus paradisi (110.0±5.0 mg/kg GAE). All the plant parts analysed contained phytochemicals in various proportions, thus, justifying their use in traditional therapy and management of malaria disease.