Comparative Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacognistic Importance of the Vegetative Organs of Some Phyllanthus Species in South Eastern Nigeria

摘要

An assessment and investigation into six species of Phyllanthus namely P. amarus Schum and Thonn, P. urinaria Linn., P. odontadenius Mull-Arg., P. niruroides Mull-Arg., P. mullerianus (O. Ktze) Excel and P. discoideus (Baill) Mull-Arg. belonging to the family of Euphorbiaceae were carried out with the aim of identifying and quantifying the bioactive components of these medicinal plants. The alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, phenol and tannin contents of the vegetative parts of these plants viz. the leaves, stems and roots were screened and compared. Result from the phytochemical analyses showed that alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and saponins were all present in the leaves, stems and roots of the studied species. Phenols were, however only absent in the stems of P. amarus , P. urinaria and P. odontadenius and roots of P. urinaria but present in the leaves, stems and roots of the rest species. All the species investigated contained appreciable amount of alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids and saponins ranging from (0.14 ± 0.06% - 3.78 ± 0.51%), (0.15 ± 0.03% - 1.82 ± 0%), (0.13 ± 0.03% - 1.59 ± 0%) and (0.14 ± 0.01% - 1.74 ± 0.01%) respectively. Phenols present ranged from (0.08 ± 0% - 0.52 ± 0%). These analytical results suggest the plants have a significant role in phyto-medicine. The importance of these plants was discussed in line with the role they play in ethno-medicinal life of the people.