Chemical profiles as chemotaxonomic tools for Loranthaceae in Nigeria

Abstract

The Loranthaceae species are widespread throughout most regions of the world, and are used for various medicinal and ethnopharmacological purposes. However, the species vary in their pharmacological activity, sometimes in correlation with the species from same ecological region or host plant, due to variation in the chemical profiles. This has led to great emphasis on caution in identification and collection for use. The wide array of secondary metabolites in Loranthaceae species are believed to be of chemotaxonomic importance. In this study, the leaves of seven Nigeria species from different ecological locations were screened for the profiles of their secondary metabolites with a view towards establishing chemotaxonomic significance. The results show the complete absence of alkaloid from all the species. Over 80% of the species tested positive for balsam, flavonoids and phenols, more than 70% tested positive for tannins, 60% for saponins and about 50% tested positive for glycosides and volatile oils. Resins, phlobatannin, terpenes, sterols and anthraquinones were present in less than 50% of the species. Some metabolites were completely absent in one or more species. The patterns displayed could be of chemotaxonomic importance for Loranthaceae in Nigeria.

Application of Chemometrics and HPLC Fingerprint for Species Differentiation and Authentication of the Genus Pterocarpus

“…Phytochemical screening has been used in all levels of classification. A comprehensive chemical analysis of the flower buds of five Lonicera species was carried out byLi et al (2018) andIbrahim et al (2014) established it as a useful tool to chemically profile Loranthaceae species. They cautioned against uncontrolled use of the taxa in phytomedicine as all species irrespective of the host and locality exhibit chemical variations, by implication; same species of Loranthaceae from different hosts will exhibit different phytochemicals.…”

Evaluation of The Toxic Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Tapinanthus cordifolius in Mice and Rats

“…Jemilat et al investigated the profile of basic secondary metabolites in many Nigerian Loranthaceae, including Tapinanthus cordifolius from Citrus auranthifolia, Cassia sp, Syzygium eucalyptoide, and Ficus sp. 11 They reported the occurrence of chemical variations in the same species found on different hosts and advised caution when using Loranthaceae. 12 Chemical changes caused by different host species may also result in differences in the toxicological effects of the plants.…”