African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 5 (10), pp. 892-895, 16 May 2006   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2006 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Chemical composition of Hyptis suaveolens and Ocimum gratissimum hybrids from Nigeria

H.O. Edeoga*, G. Omosun and L.C. Uche

Department of Biological Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.

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

Accepted 21 February, 2006

Abstract

Four medicinal plants belonging to the family Lamiaceae were chemically screened for their chemical constituents including alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and phenols. The medicinal plants investigated were Hyptis suaveloens and three putative hybrids of Ocimum gratissimum (Hybrid A, B and C). All the plant contains high percentage yield of crude alkaloids and flavonoids ranging from 10.44 to 14.32% and 9.28 to 12.54%, respectively. Only H. suaveloens is devoid of saponins. Tannins and phenols were present in all plants. The nutritional values of the phytochemicals were also assessed with a view of establishing and understanding their nutritional uses. The plants contained crude protein (9.19 to 17.94%), crude fibre (4.88 to 9.04%), ash (5.68 to 6.88%), carbohydrate (66.24 to 75.87%), crude lipid (3.48 to 4.90%) and food energy (357.68 to 373.26 mg/cal). The significance of the plants in traditional medicine and the importance of the chemical constituents in the pharmaceutical industries were discussed.

Key words: Phytochemical, Hyptis suaveolens, Ocimum gratissimum hybrids.