African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 5 (4), pp. 357-361, 16 February 2006   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2006 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluation of the chemical composition of two Nigerian medicinal plants

D. E. Okwu* and C. Josiah

Department of Chemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267

Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

*Corresponding authors E-mail: okwudonatus@yahoo.com.

Accepted 6 January, 2006

Nigerian medicinal plants (Aspilia africana and Bryophyllum pinnatum) were analyzed for their chemical composition, vitamins and minerals. The results revealed the presence of bioactive constituents comprising alkaloids (1.24 to 1.48 mg/100 g), saponins (1.46 to 1.72 mg/100 g), flavonoids (1.46 to 1.86 mg/100 g), phenols (0.06 mg/100g) and tannins (0.04 to 0.5 mg/100g). The medicinal plants contained ascorbic acid (26.42 to 44.03 mg/100 g), riboflavin (0.20 to 0.42 mg/100 g), thiamine (0.11 to 0.18 mg/100 g), and niacin (0.02 to 0.09 mg/100 g). These herbs are good sources of minerals such as Ca, P, K, Mg, Na, Fe and Zn. The importance of these chemical constituents is discussed with respect to the role of these herbs in ethnomedicine in Nigeria.

Key words: Aspillia africana, Bryophyllum pinnatum, bioactive compounds, ethnomedicine.