Abstract
This study assessed the phytochemical contents of the aqueous, ethanol, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the fruit, leaves, root, and stem of F. thonningii at selected concentrations. The contents of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, volatile oils, phenols and flavonoids were determined qualitatively in these extracts at selected concentrations. The results obtained showed that alkaloids are present in the leaves, roots and stem barks of Ficus thonningii. The volatile oil is found in the stem bark, root bark, and fruit (aqueous only) of the plant. Saponin is found to be concentrated in all the extracts of the plant. Phenol is found to be concentrated in the fruit of the plant. Its presence is also confirmed in the leaves (at few concentrations) and present in trace amount in the stem bark. Tannin is found in the fruit, root bark and leaves of Ficus thonningii. Flavonoids are found in all the parts of Ficus thonningii. The variety of phytochemicals confirmed in the fruit, leaves, stem, and root barks of Ficus thonningii show that the plant is pharmacologically active.
Highlights
Ficus thonningii of the family Moraceae, is a multi-stemmed evergreen African medicinal plant that grows 6 to 21-meter-high commonly in upland forests of tropical and subtropical Africa (Cousins & Huffman, 2002) at altitudes of between 1,000– 2,500 m and grows best in light, deep and well drained soils (Hines & Eckman, 1993)
This study assessed the phytochemical contents of the aqueous, ethanol, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the fruit, leaves, root, and stem of Ficus thonningii at selected concentrations
The volatile oil is found in the stem bark, root bark, and fruit of the plant
Summary
Ficus thonningii of the family Moraceae, is a multi-stemmed evergreen African medicinal plant that grows 6 to 21-meter-high commonly in upland forests of tropical and subtropical Africa (Cousins & Huffman, 2002) at altitudes of between 1,000– 2,500 m and grows best in light, deep and well drained soils (Hines & Eckman, 1993). The leaves are alternate, fairlydark green and sub glossy above whilst paler below (Schmidt et al, 2002). The hairless or finely hairy leaves which are about 4.5-12 cm long are usually rounded or tapering, with a prominent midrib (Hyde & Wursten, 2011). The singly born or paired hairy fruits are round with 10-20 mm diameter and usually yellow or rarely pink when ripe (Schmidt et al, 2002). Ficus thonningii is pollinated by wasps that live in the syconium of its fruit, and it can be propagated using seeds and cuttings (Danthu et al, 2002)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
