Abstract
This study aims at determining the presence of phytochemical constituents in Telfaria occidentalis and Ocimum gratissimum collected from a location in Abuja, FCT. Standard laboratory procedures were employed to achieve the set objectives. To ascertain the phytochemical components responsible for the ethno medicinal properties, a qualitative and quantitative screening of the extracts of the sampled plants was conducted. Telfaria occidentalis and Ocimum gratissimum leaves were collected from the Kado-Bimko market, Gwarinpa-Abuja in October 2016. Phytochemical screening of the plant materials revealed some differences in the phytochemical constituents of the plants tested but showed the presence of Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Anthraquinones, Saponins, and Tannins. The present data suggest that these extracts could be potential sources phytochemicals that could be of great importance for the treatment of various diseases. It is expected that the important phytochemicals recognised in the study of the medicinal plant sample extracts will be very useful in the curing of various diseases in Nigeria.
Highlights
Plants have been used for medicinal purposes long before the prehistoric period
Negative indicates the absence of while positive indicates the presence of particular constituents or metabolites. Both samples tested positive to Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Steroids, Anthraquinones Saponins, and Tannins, they both tested negative to Resins
Telfaria occidentalis tested positive to Terpenes while Ocimum gratissimum tested negative
Summary
Plants have been used for medicinal purposes long before the prehistoric period. Traditional systems of medicine continue to be widely practiced on many accounts. Phytochemicals are chemical compounds produced by plants, generally to help them thrive or thwart competitors, predators, or pathogens. They have the potential for use as drugs, and the content and known pharmacological activity of these substances in medicinal plants is the scientific basis for their use in modern medicine if scientifically confirmed [1]. Phytochemicals consist of a diverse group of natural bioactive molecules vastly distributed in plants. They are basically classified into three classes namely Alkaloids, Phenolics and Terpenoids. The molecules in these classes are further grouped due to their numerous modifications, emphasizing the diversity of secondary metabolites [2]
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