Abstract
The phytochemical contents and medicinal values of Dacroydes edulis and Raphia hookeri exudates were investigated. Phytochemical screening of the plant showed that they contain the presence of bioactive compounds comprising saponins (2.08-3.98 mg 100 g(-1)), alkaloids (0.28-0.49 mg 100 g(-1)), tannins (0.47-0.72 mg 100 g(-1)), flavonoids (0.26-0.39 mg 100 g(-1)), and phenolic compounds (0.01-0.05 mg 100 g(-1)). The carbohydrates, lipids and protein content were 77.42-78.90%, 2.02-4.185% and 16.63-18.38% respectively. The exudates are a good source of water soluble vitamins; ascorbic acid (7.04-26.40 mg 100 g(-1)), niacin (3.12-4.00 mg 100 g(-1)), riboflavin (0.14-0.54 mg 100 g(-1)) and thiamine (0.15-0.22 mg 100 g(-1)). Both plants exudates are good sources of minerals such as Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn while Cr and Co were trace. These results indicate that exudates can be potential sources of feedstock for the pharmaceutical industry.
Highlights
Over the years, man has acquired extensive knowledge regarding the utilization of plants around him as food and medicine
Wine palm is a source of beverage (Palm wine) and many other products, which are economically important in Southern Nigeria and other West African countries (Akachuku 2001)
The saponin content was very high on both exudates with R. hookeri containing 3.98mg 100g-1 and D. edulis had 2.08 mg 100g-1 of saponins
Summary
Man has acquired extensive knowledge regarding the utilization of plants around him as food and medicine These plants exhibit a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities such as antiinflammatory, diuretic, laxative, antispasmodics, anti-hypertensive and anti-microbial functions. The raffia palm (Raphia hookeri Mann and Wendl) Palmae is probably the most diversely useful plant of Nigeria. It is one of the most important sources of forest food species in Southern Nigeria (Akachuku 2001). R. hookeri grows to height of 9m and is adapted to life with its roots in water logged soil, by possessing breathing roots It has a crown of dark green pinnately divided leaves, which may be over 9m in length. Palm wine is very rich in ascorbic acid especially when freshly prepared from the tree
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