Chemical And Medicinal Properties of Xylopia Aethiopica Harvested from The South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The characterization of chemical and medicinal properties of the leaf of Xylopia aethiopica was carried out with the aid of Shimazu Japan Gas Chromatography 5890-11 and GC-MS QP 2010 Plus Shimazu Japan. The chromatogram revealed 34 peaks which yielded 34 compounds with their molecular weights, structures and formulars elucidated. Initial phytochemical examination revealed the presence of alkaloid 4.3%, flavonoids 5.1%, saponins 4.89%, tannin 2.2%s, cardiac glycosides and steriods. Antimicrobial determination revealed activity against selected human pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa 10mm, Staphylococcus aureus 20mm, Streptococcus specie 22mm ,Aspergillus niger 16mm, Mucor specie 18mm and but was resistant to Klebsiella pneumonia. Most of the compounds identified in the leaf extract such as phytol.Vitamin E, Squalene, Caryophyllene oxide ans Isoaromadendrene epoxide has proven anti-cancer, anti-tumors, anti-inflammatory antioxidant and anti-arthritic properties.