"Investigation of Phytochemical Compounds of Selected Nigerian Poly-Herbal Formulations"

Abstract

In Nigeria, there is a prevalent marketing practice wherein polyherbal concoctions are promoted as panaceas for various ailments. Due to their numerous health benefits, these drugs are extensively employed and prevalent in numerous households across Nigeria. Ethnomedical herbal medicine has demonstrated efficacy in the prevention, diagnosis, control, and treatment of numerous disorders. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to examine the phytochemical compositions of specific polyherbal formulations (Ruzu, Goko, Yoyo, and Jalin) in order to substantiate their extensive pharmacological assertions. The herbal items underwent a qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, which was conducted using the standard method established by the Association of Analytical Chemist (AOAC). The formulations underwent qualitative phytochemical screening, which revealed the presence of several compounds including alkaloids, phenols, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, and steroids. The quantitative analysis revealed that the concentrations of saponin, phenol, alkaloid, and saponin were highest in Ruzu, Yoyo, Jalin, and Goko bitters, respectively, with values of 0.86±0.01, 13.2±0.02, 5.7±0.02, and 18.86±0.02. Conversely, the concentrations of terpenoid, flavonoid, steroid, and terpenoid were lowest in Ruzu, Yoyo, Jalin, and Goko bitters, respectively, with values of 0.03±0.01, 0.15±0.02, 0.36±0.02, and 0.02±0.02. The results of our study indicate that poly-herbal formulations consist of secondary metabolites that possess significant therapeutic qualities with potential for disease prevention.Hence, the findings of this study suggest potential advantages of the formulations in relation to human health, thereby warranting their utilization in the design and implementation of relevant pharmacological investigations.