Abstract

In this project research, organic solvents were used to extract samples of guava and orange mistletoes and their hosts. The preliminary phytochemical studies revealed presence of saponins, tannins, and anthraquinones both in the host plants and in the parasites. Phlobatanins were found in guava parasite and its host only, while cardiac glycosides with steroidal nucleus were found only in orange parasite and its host. Also lipids extracts were resolved into monoacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, triacylglycerol and free fatty acids. The sugar thin layer chromatography revealed the presence of a ketohexose sugar which was confirmed by Selliwanoff’s test. It appears that the aromatic smell evident in the orange parasite and its host is due to the cardiac glycosides with steroidal nucleus in their extracts. The aromaticity apparently acquired from the orange host by its parasite is probably a contributory factor in the medicinal value of the parasite.

Key words: Thin layer chromatography, lipids, sugars, parasites.