Evaluation of Phytochemical Constituents and Elemental Profiling of Selected Medicinal Plants in South-West, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Objective: Phytochemicals are responsible for the definite physiological effects exerted on the human body by various parts of the plant and it has been reported to play a major role in nutrition and control of diseases. This study aimed to comparatively investigate the phytochemical and elemental components of five medicinal plants commonly used in South-Western, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of all the extracts was done using different standard methods. Calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and other elements were determined using standard procedures. Results: Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening indicates the presence of glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and anthraquinones. The quantitative phytochemical screening revealed that glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and anthraquinones were significantly (p<0.05) higher in ethanol extract compared to ethyl acetate extract in all the studied medicinal plants, however, the reverse was the case in Urena lobata. Sodium (Na), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in ethyl acetate extract than in ethanol extract in all the studied medicinal plants. While, iron (Fe), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in ethanol extract compared to ethyl acetate extract in all the studied medicinal plants. Conclusion: This study suggests the different range of phytochemicals present in the medicinal plants studied with their potential therapeutic benefits, emphasizing the significance of these plants in traditional and modern medicine. Furthermore, the elemental composition sheds light on the nutritional and essential value of these plants, which could contribute to their holistic healing properties.