Phytochemical Evaluation of Leaves of some Medicinal Plants from Parts of Niger Delta

Abstract

Leaves of some medicinal plants (Eugenia owariensis, Psidiumguajava,Carica papaya and Citrus sinensis) from some parts of Niger Delta have been analysed for secondary metabolites. The result showed variation in the mean concentration of the bioactive compounds (secondary metabolites); alkaloids (2.80-10.27)%, flavonoids (1.11-3.29)%, oxalate (0.46-0.94)%,tannins (0.26-0.85)%, saponin (1.37-3.67)% and cyanogenic glycosides (0.49-1.05). The highest concentrations of alkaloids, oxalate, tannins, saponin and cyanogenic glycosides were found in Eugenia owariensiswhile Psiduimguajava had the highest flavonoids concentration. The result of this study revealed that the therapeutic values of these species are tied to the types, concentration and combination of these metabolites present in the plants. This however, could account for the different medicinal abilities of the species.