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Ethnobotanical
Leaflets 11: 173-194. 2007. Chemicals Detected in Plants Used
For Folk Medicine in South *Gordian
C. Obute and Godswill O. Adubor Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, * E-Mail:
goddie_chi@yahoo.com Issued
ABSTRACT Plant species used for folk medicine from diverse
families of angiosperms employed by people in south eastern INTRODUCTION Medicinal
plant species are so regarded because they are sources of well known and medically useful secondary
products as wide-ranging as pain killers like morphine, stimulants like
nicotine, caffeine, cocaine and depressants with high potency in the
management of ailments in humans. Generally, drug plants are unique in
containing compounds that are end-products of long biosynthetic pathways and
are usually not needed in such plants’ metabolic processes. Davis and Heywood
(1963) reported that these compounds called
secondary metabolites include: alkaloids, glycosides, essential oils
and other organic constituents. These constituents are usually
produced in different parts of the plants like the root, leaves, fruits and
seeds and then translocated to other parts of plant for storage (Kochhar,
1981). Knowledge about these medicinally active constituents makes their
application in therapy possible as contained in the various pharmacopoeias.
Recently, in the field of ethno medicine it has been discovered that
therapeutic efficacy was more pronounced when the active compound was left in
a particular combination with other principles naturally present in plant
than when it was isolated and synthesized in the laboratory. In our first
work on medicinal plants, we made a check list of plant species with
medicinal value in the south eastern parts of Nigeria (Obute, 2005); this is
a follow up attempt at determining the types of flavonoids and amounts of
phenolic compounds present in these plant species. Perhaps it is this
discriminating occurrence that makes the various species efficacious in the
treatment of different ailments even if they belong to the same family. Flavonoids Flavonoids are 15-carbon compounds which
occur naturally and are widely distributed
in the plant kingdom appearing in flower, fruits, stems, leaves, roots
and plant derived beverages such as tea and wine. These
are ubiquitous in occurrence in nearly all plants; the ease with which they
are isolated and identified even from small amounts of plant materials as
well make this chemical the most used for medicinal purposes. Flavonoids
protect plants against external pathogens, ultra-violet light or heat. The
most important class of flavonoids include: anthocyanides flavones,
flavonoids, flavanones, flavan-3-01(also known as catechins). Anthocyanins
and coloured compounds in flowers, they facilitate pollination by attracting
insect and aid dispersal of seed in coloured fruits. The red, purple and blue
colours of most flowers and red colour of most fruits and autumn leaves are
due to anthocyanins, some yellow flowers tend to be due to carotenoids. The
anthocyanins are concentrated in the vacuoles, not in the plastids as
carotenoids are. Chemically anthocyanins are B-glycosides of anthocyanins. Flavonoids
possess anti-inflammatory properties and act as modulators of the immune
system in number of biological systems. This stems from the fact that they
are powerful antioxidants protecting biosystems against damaging effects of
free radicals. Most flavonoids belong to a group of chemicals, called
polyphenols, and their antioxidant properties are dependent on this
polyphenolic chemical structure. Phenols Phenols
are characterized by the presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH} and is derived
from hydrocarbons (aromatic hydrocarbon}. The reactivity of phenols is
predominantly determined by the presence of the hydroxyl group. Phenols
are generally referred to by their common names but may also be named as
benzene derivatives. Common examples of phenols include the following:
resorcinol, hydroquinone o-cresol, m-cresol, most of the phenols are noted
for their germicidal properties and cresol is used widely as a wood
preservative. Plants produce many thousands of compounds which contain one or
more phenolic residues, these compounds can be divided into major groups,
according to the number of carbon atom in their skeleton. The current effort
is targeted at listing the types of flavonoids and amounts of phenolic
products present in plant species already known to be medicinal but not yet
exploited by bioprospecting interests. MATERIALS The leaves used for
this study were obtained from different plant species growing in their natural
habitats. These plants as listed in Table 1, are, according to Obute (2005)
used in the ethno medicine of the peoples of the south eastern parts of
Nigeria. Plant collection was done from the premises of university of Port
Harcourt and Eagle Island and its environs close to Rivers State University
of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt Nigeria. Table 1: Species Used In the Study
Flavonoid compounds Leaf parts obtained
from the species were crushed separately and immersed in different glass
vials containing absolute ethanol solution (5mls). The mixtures were left for
two days to ensure adequate extraction. The samples were subjected to
separation protocols using the 2-D paper chromatographic method. A drop of
each solution was collected with a capillary tube and spotted on a designated
area on the chromatographic paper. A series of solvents Butanol-acetic acid
and water in the ratio of 4:1:5; Forestal (Conc. HCl-acetic acid and water)
in the ratio of 30:3:10 and 60:6:20ml and 50% acetic acid were used to carry
out the analysis. Each solvent was
poured into a trough in the chromatographic tank one at a time. The end of
the chromatographic paper nearest to the sample spots was folded
appropriately, dipped into the trough at the top of the chromatographic tank
and the rest of the paper made to hang vertically. Separation of samples
occurred as the solvent front was obtained then the chromatographic paper was
removed and hung to dry. Ammonia solution was used to spray the sheets and
the setup was left to air dry for about 15 minutes and observed under the UV
light to see colours produced. Finally, the RF values
for all the chromatographic papers were calculated by measuring the distance
from the origin to centre of the circle of the colour observed under UV light
divided by the distance between the origin and the solvents front (i.e. the
distance the solvent travelled) multiplied by 100. Distance migrated by
analyte (Da) 100
Distance migrated by the
solvent (Ds) 1 To determine the
flavonoids which may be present in the species, the RF value of each specimen
and their colours in the UV light were used according to the Harborne (1973)
method. Phenolic compounds The leaf samples were
crushed with mortar and pestle and 0.1g of each sample was poured into a
conical flask and 20ml of distilled water was added and the set up was left
to stand for about 10mins (for appropriate extraction) and then filtered into
different conical flasks. 2.5ml of the filtrate
was measured into another conical flask and 5ml of 0.1m NaOH was added. Then
the set up was warmed in a hot plate to 650 C. Then 2.5ml of
iodine was added to each of the samples to obtain brown colouration of the samples.
Then 0.5ml of Conc. HCL was added to the samples, after a drop or two of an
indicator (starch solution) was added and to make the colour change to dark
blue. The process was repeated using a blank (distilled water) titrated with
Na2S2O3 (sodium thiosulphate) until, it
become colourless. To determine the amount of phenolic compounds present in
the specimen, the method of King and
Armstrong (1934) was used and the formula below was used for the computation: Phenol mg/h = (Blank -
sample) x 1.567 x 4 x10 from other calculation the concentration of phenolic
compound. RESULTS It was observed that
most of the species contain flavonols and phenols. The type and amount of
these varied with the species (Tables 2 a&b). It did not follow any
particular phylogenetic pattern as members of the same family had different
types of flavonols while those from dissimilar ones had the same types. The
pattern of distribution of phenolic compounds also shows that there is no
particular order (Table 2b) whereas some had up to 4.76mg/g as in Anarcadium occidentale most showed
1.76mg/g as the least amount. Table 2 a: Chemical Compounds Detected in the species
Table 2 b. The amounts of phenolic compounds
found in each plant.
Results of the separation process
of the chemicals are as shown in the chromatograms in Figure 1.
Fig. 1: Chromatograms of the separation process. Notice the separate positions of the separating chemicals in the field showing their different mobility and
consequently their different molecular weights. DISCUSSION The results obtained
in this study show that Isorhamnetic, Kaempferol, Luteolin, Myricetin,
Quercetin are present in different plant species used for medicinal purposes.
These plants are here textually and pictorially described for easy
identification. It was observed that the type of flavonol recorded for the
different species varied (Table 2a) and this probably explains their use for
treating different ailments. 1. Ageratum conyzoides L.; Common Name: Billy-goat
weed. Family:
Asteraceae Plant Description Ageratum conyziodes
is an erect, herbaceous annual, 30-80cm tall; stems are covered with fine
white hairs, leaves are opposite, pubescent with long petioles and include
glandular trichomes. The inflorescence contains 30-50 pink flower arranged as
corymbs and self-incompatible (Thansi, 1987). The seeds are positively
photoblastic and viability is often lost within 12 months. (Laeire et al, 1987). The optimum germination
temperature ranges from 20-250C (Koch, 1988). The species has
great morphological variation and appears highly adaptable to different
ecological conditions. Chemical Composition: Luteolin (Flavonol) Part Used:
Leaves Medicinal Uses: Treatment of foamy eye and other eye disease. Ø
Decoction of the plant cures fever. Ø
The leaves should be chewed generously and swallowed as an antidote. Ø
The whole plant is styptic (Stopping bleeding). The leaf juice is poured
into the wound and the bruised leaf left on it.
Plate 1.
Ageratum conyzoides L. 2. Phyllanthus
amarus (Schumach & Thonn); Common Names: Gulf leaf flower, child pick-a-back/egg woman. Family: Euphorbiaceae Plant Description Phyllanthus amarus is a common annual weed that grows
up to 1 ½ feet high. The stem is erect, slender and profusely branched. It is
brownish at the base but green at middle to upper parts. The leaves are small
simple, numerous, green, oblong and feathered. The leaves have clear visible
veins below and when picked, they fold in completely as in touch
–me-not-plant. The name Phyllanthus reflects the unique
arrangement of the flower on the leaves. The flowers are minute, solitary
borne in the leaf axis. The fruits consist of small dehiscent 3-celled
capsule. Seeds are wedge-shaped. Part Used: Leaves
Medicinal Uses: Stooling (dysentery) Treatment Ø
Crushed leaves are applied on skin with ring worm, scabies and ulcer
to treat same. Ø
Leaf extracts by 50% ethanol have been shown to have extensive
antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral action (Oliver-Bever, 1986) Ø
Leaf extract of this herb with that of Solenostemon monostachyus
taken twice daily for two weeks relieves one of arthritis.
Plate 2. Phyllanthus amarus (Schumach & Thonn) 3. Caesalpinia
pulcherrima (L) SW. Common name: Pride-of-Barbados Family: Fabaceae Description This is a scrambling
shrub with closely prickly branches and slender branchlets; leaves bipinnate,
pinnae 4-7 pairs, rhachis prickly; leaflets oblong-elliptic mucronate 2.5-4.5
long, 1.5-2.5 cm broad, slightly pubescent flowers particulate, bracts
linear, soon falling off, axis and calyx tomentose; petals 5, oblong,
yellow, subequal about 1cm long; stamen 10, free filaments villous toward the
base, trust oblong elliptic, flattish 6-7cm long, 4cm broad, very prickly with
slender erect prickles 1-2 seeded, seeds spherical, lead-colour, smooth about
1.5 diameter. Chemical Composition: azaleatin (flavonol)
Plate 3. Caesalpinia
pulcherrima (L)
SW. Part used: Leaves
Medicinal uses: Treatment of menstrual pain in women. The leaf extract is
drunk as an emetic during treatment of asthma. 4. Persea
americana Mil. Family: Lauraceae Common
Name: Avocado Pear, English Pear Description: This is a tree of about
28 f t (8-9m) high with a trunk diameter of up to 12-14 inches. The stem has
a rough grayish bark. Leaves are evergreen,
alternate, entire, cumnate, net venated, simple and coriaceous. The fruit
type is pome, having an outer thickened layer, a middle fleshy layer and a
central core. Chemical composition: myricetin (flavonol) Part used: Leaves. Medicinal uses. Used to
treat dizziness and fainting resulting from excessive blood loss.
Plate 4: Persea americana Mil. 5. Costus lucanuscianus L.; Common Name: Monkey’s Sugarcane Family: Zingiberareae
Description The perennial herb
leaves are distichous, sheathing having a distinct equal and parallel
venation Flowers are arranged in dense heads borne at the end of flowering
shoots. Chemical Constituent: (Myricetin) Part Used: Leaves
Medicinal Uses: This is
Use in the treatment of menstrual pains, by using infusion prepared from
the leaves.
Plate 5.
Costus lucanuscianus L. 6. Newbouldia
laevis ( Family Name: Bignoniaceae Description A very tall reaching a height of 18m. Bark is
grayish to pale brown and fairly smooth. Leaves are imparipinnately compound
and opposite flowers purplish-pink having dark stripes closely crowded to
form a cyme. Chemical Composition: Quercetin (Flavonol) Part Used: Leaves Medicinal Uses: Used in the treatment of eye problems. Ø
The leaf juice is applied on wound (Oliver-Bever, 1986)
Plate 6.
Newbouldia laevis ( 7. Telfairia
occidentalis Family: Cucurbitaceae Plant Description This is a dioecious perennial
climber attaining up to l000ft in length. Leaves, pedately 3-5 foliolate.
Leaflets shortly stalked. Tendrils branched. Fruit, pale green containing
seed embedded in an orange coloured pulp. Chemical Composition: Isorhamnetin (Biflavonyl) Part used: Leaves Medicinal uses: 1. Leaf extract pure
or mixed with eggs, is drunk to treat Anaemia. Pumpkin leaves and those
garden eggs squeezed and drunk for seven days also eradicate Anaemia. 2. The infusion of the
leaves is given as blood tonic to help convalescents. The leave infusion can
also help in the treatment of malaria, loss of appetite.
Plate 7.
Telfairia occidentalis 8. Chromolaena
odorata (L) R.M. King & H.
Robinson; Common names: Awolowo’s Plant, Siam Weed,
Independence Weed. Family: Asteraceae Chemical Composition: Isorhamnetin Plant
description A herb usually growing as an
invasive plant. Leaves are simple, opposite and dentate flowers are whitish Part used: Leaves. Medicinal uses: I. Leaf juice taken
internally or as enema treats malaria. II. The leaves are
exceptionally styptic. IV. Treat fresh cut to
stop bleeding.
Plate 8. Chromolaena
odorata (L) R.M. KING & H.
ROBINSON 9. Rhizophora
racemosa G. F .W. Mey Family: Rhizophoraceae Plant Description: This is a shrub of up
to 4-10m in height. It is common in the red mangrove in West Africa and
occurs close to the shore line. It is reputed to be the colouring spp out of
the 3 spp of the West Africa. This species hybridize
Rhizophora mangle to give rise to Rhizophora harrisonni. Therefore R. harrisonni is hybrid. The buds are
obtuse at their radicles could attain on length of about 30-65 cm while still
on the tree. The inflorescence is much branched and several to many flowers,
the pinnacle is about 1.5-4 cm long flower are usually crowded, the midrib is
reddish when fresh, leaves are blunt pointed at their apexes. Chemical Composition: gossypetin (flavonol) Part used: Leaves. Medicinal uses: I.
The bark when oiled yields a red dye used to polish wooden floors. II.
The bark contains 22-33% tannin used to produce hard leather.
Plate 9.
Rhizophora racemosa .G. F .W Meyer 10. Rhizophora
mangle L. Common Names: Red mangrove, mangrove rojoo Family Name: Rhizophoraceae Plant Description This is a shrub or
small tree up to 5 m in height, occurring in mangrove swamps. Pedicles are
about 6-15 cm in length and are relatively slender. The flower bud are acute
at the apices. Sepals are about 10-13 mm long. The radicles seldom exceed 20
cm while still on the tree. Leaves are elliptic in shape bud sub-acute at the
base but obtuse at their apices. The pedicle is about 1-2 cm long. Part used: Leaves Medicinal Uses: -Pulp is made from
mangrove and used in manufacturing wrapping paper and allied products. -The
bark when boiled yields a red used to polish wooden floors. -Astringent
can be used as tonic.
11. Avicennia
germinans (L) Common Name: Black Mangrove Family: Avicenniaceae Plant Description The flowers of members
of the family Avcenniaceae are regular or radially
symmetrical (actinomorphic) member of this genus are shrubs or small tree
leaves are opposite (phyllotaxy), simple, entire, estipulate, inflorescence
is symuse, terminal, condensed flowers are small, actinomorphic. The fruit is
a broad spherical bivalve (seed pumpkin) one seeded capsule. The seed
germinate in the fruit i.e. Viviparous member of this group are characterized
by the possession of pneumatophore of breathing root (some time called area
root). They are negatively geotropic and grow out of the water, used for
aeration. Part used: Leaves Medicinal Uses: -Used to remedy tumor in West Indies. -Used as astringent, insect repellent,
rudifacient and tonic. -Used in treatment of
diarrhea, dysentery, rheumatism, swellings, throat ailments, tumor and wounds and
hemorrhages
Plate 11. Avicennia germinans (L) 12. Mangifera
indica L; Common Name: Mango Family: Anacardiaceae Description This is a tree whose
branching pattern confers a dome-like shape. Bark is rough, the slash
produces a slow brown exudates. Leaves are simple, alternates. Flowers are
small and inconspicuous. Fruit is a large drupe (having a leathery epicarp,
fleshy mesocarp and a stony core). The fruits are green when unripe and
yellow/orange when ripe. Chemical Composition: overarching (flavonol) Part Used: Leaves Medical Uses: I.
Treatment for fever (typhoid), malaria (Decoction) II.
Young leaves and shoot are eaten as vegetables in java and Philippines (FAO 1988). toothache, sore gums and sore throat IV.
The leaf and bark form important components in anti malaria concoction and infusion
13. Carica
papaya L; Common Name: Pawpaw, papaya Family: Caricaceae Plant Description A tree with softwood
and milky juice leaves in a cluster at the top of the stem, palmately lobed
with long petioles. The plant is mainly dioecious rarely monoecious fruit a
pulpy berry, containing seeds with fleshy endosperm. Chemical Composition: Kaempferol (flavonol) Part Used: Leaves. Medicinal Uses: i) Decoction (preparation) malaria fever. ii) Young leaves and tops are eaten as
vegetable (mainly in Asia). iii) Leaf juice is styptic and vulnerary
(especially for cuts, sores, wounds). iv) Leaves and seeds are antihelmintic and
carminative. v) The leaves are used in washing clothes
when soap is scarce (as in war years). vi) Leaves are used to
wrap meat (especially tough ones) and kept overnight before cooking. The meat is
rendered tender due to the effect of Papain present in the leaf.
Plate 13. Carica papaya L 14. Vernonia
amygdalina Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Bitter leaf Plant Description: A
shrub of 2-5m high, leaves are elliptic with characteristic bitter taste. Chemical Composition: Active ingredient-Vernonioiside
B, myricetin (flavonol) Part Used: Leaves Medicinal
Uses: i) Bitter leaf is used in local medicine to
cure fever, cough and as a laxative. ii) Leaf decoction is taken to treat
pneumonia, increase breast milk in nursing mothers and to cure cough. iii) The leaf juice
treats ring worm and other skin infections. When drunk, it treats diabetes. iv) Leaf extract is drunk to cure malaria,
fever and intestinal complaints. v) The infusion of the leaf treats loss of
appetite.
Plate 14. Vernonia amygdalina 15. Senna alata (L) ROXB Family: Fabaceae Common Name: Candle bush Plant Description: Senna alata is a small perennial shrub
growing from 3 to 12 ft with a straight woody stem and clusters of flowers
that resemble candles, which eventually turn into seed pods. The flowers are
usually yellow, but can be white or pink. The cylindrical seed pods have a
woody brown shell up to 24 inches long. The space between the seeds within
the pods is filled with sweet pulp. The leaves are picked before or during
flower, while the pods are picked when ripe in the fall. The leaves have a
stronger action than the pods and are commonly used. Chemical Composition: Quercetin flavonol
Plate 15.
Senna alata (L) Roxb. 16. Nypa
fruticans WURMB; Common Name: Nypa palm Family: Arecaceae Introduction: The Nipah palm is among the few palms that
grow well in the mangrove. It grows in soft mud, mainly where the water is
calmer, but where there is regular inflow of fresh water and nutritious silt.
They can be inland as far as the tide can deposit the palm’s floating seeds.
It can tolerate infrequent inundation, so long as the soil does not dry out
for too long. It is the mangrove plant with the oldest known fossil, with
pollen dated 70million years old. Compared to Coconut palm, the Nypa palm
appears to lack a trunk with its leaves growing straight out of the ground.
In fact, its trunk is horizontal and lies underground. The trunk branches and
each branch end with a bunch of fronds. The base of the frond is air-filtered
to help it stay upright. The fruits form into a large ball about the size and
shape of a soccer ball, rising from the mud on a stick. When it ripens, the
ball breaks away and breaks up into individual fruits. These float and may
even germinate as they float. Description: The Nipah palm fronds emerge from the
ground and the palm appears trunk less. It grows 4-9m tall, leaves are large,
up to 9m long, has a globular inflorescence of female flowers at the tip with
a catkin-like red or yellow male flowers on the lower branches. Fruit contain
seeds, several compressed into a ball. The immature fruits are white
translucent and hard jelly-like called “attaché”. They are a common
ingredient in local deserts. Chemical Composition: Part Used: Leaves Medicinal Uses: i) The leaves are used to make roofing
mats, hats, caps and brooms. ii) The midribs of the leaflet are used to
make toothpicks, fish-traps. iii) Good quality wine
is tapped from the palm. iv) The leaves are used for thatching and for
fishing poles.
Plate 16. Nypa fruticans WURMB 17. Cymbopogon
citratus (DC)
Stapf Family: Poaceae
Common Name: Lemon grass, camel’s hay, citronella, Cochin grass Plant Description: As the name suggests,
this herb is naturally scented with a delicate lemon fragrance. The greyish-green,
multilayered stalk grows straight and tall, opening up in to long grass like
blades. But unlike its name, lemon grass does grow like the grass in the
field. Though the long grass blades have a lemon scent, the dense light green
inner stalk, especially the lower inches, held the strongest flavour which is
why lemon grass is regularly sow with the blade already trimmed off lemon
grass is very tough and fibrous –almost woody near the root. it is a
perennial tuft grass with long sharp edge blade. Chemical Composition: Azaleatin (flavonol) Part Used: Leaves i)
is a culinary herb ii)
used to treated and flu’s stomach cramps and indigestion, iii)
flatulence and urinary dysfunctions, fatigue back pain and menstrual irregularity iv)
Can be used in the treatment of
diabetes v)
Is considered a diuretic, tonic and stimulant vi)
It promotes good digestion vii)
It is a well known insect repellent and essential oil in the perfumery.
Plate 17. Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. 18. Anacardium
occidetale L. Common name: cashew Family: Anacardiaceae Plant Description Low spreading
evergreen, green perennial up to 10-15m high, propagated by seeds
(germination in 14-21 days) or cuttings; usually branched near the base. The inflorescence
is a panicle with few ramifications and hermaphrodite and male flowers. The
fruit is a kidney shaped nut. It is attached to the end of the enlarged
pedicel called the cashew apple. The juice is tart, highly polymorphic. Two groups of cultivars:
americamum, with large juice fruits, and indicum with short peduncle, mainly
used for the nut Chemical Composition: (Kaempfero) Flavonol Part Used: Leaves
Medical Uses: The decoction of the bark and leaves is used
against diarrhoea and abdominal pains, inflammation and diabetes. Sodium anacardate
destroys snake venoms as well as tetanus and diphtheria toxin. The leaves and bark are used as
diuretic.
Plate 18: Anacardium
occidentale L 19. Psidium guajava L Common Name: Guava Family:
Myrtaceae .Plant Description: this is a small tree that grows 6-25 ft high.
Smooth flaking off in patches, white flowers pulp when ripe. Numerous small
woody seeds, leaves are simply and often opposite. Chemical Composition:
Kayaflavone (Biflavonyl) Part Used: Leaves
Plate 19. Psidium guajava L. Medical Uses: i)
Decoction of the leaves, bark increase ;blood in the body ii)
The decoction remedy for diarrhoea and
dysentery iii)
Leaves are also used to treat malaria/fever iv) Leaves
are used as poultices on wounds, ulcer and sores. v)
The leaves boiled with lemon grass and drunk to treat cough/whooping cough.. vi)
Leaf infusion treats stomach disorders, pains, stomach ache, indigestion, heartburn and palpitations. vii)
Leaves are rich in tannin and used in dying and tanning. Bark has 11- 30% tannin. 20. Aspilia
africana (PERS) C. D. ADAMS Family: Asteraceae Common Name: Haemorrhage Plant Description: A perennial herb varying in height from 60cm
to about 1.5m depending on rainfall and soil fertility. It reproduces from
seeds. The leaves are opposite, ovate-lanceolate, 6-15cm long and 3-7cm wide;
they are rounded at the base with petioles about 1cm long, hairy and with
three prominent vein. The inflorescence consists, of solitary terminal flower
head with hairy stalk about 4-10cm long. The flowers have showy yellow heads
with several florets. The fruits are 4 angled achenes about 5mm long, bristly
and minutely hairy. Chemical Composition Gossypetin
(Flavonols) Part Used: Leaves
Medical Uses 1.
The decoction of leaves is used as tonic. 2.
Use as diuretic 3.
Leaf infusion is use in treating cough and related ailment in children 4.
Leaf extracts as enemas to pregnant women to quicken and ease delivery 5. The
leaves are used to clean/prepare snail for soup. 6.
The leaf juice is used to stop bleeding of serious magnitude and to accelerate healing of cuts, sores and
wounds. It is therefore styptic and vulnerary.
Plate 20.
Aspilia africana (PERS) C. D. Adams Conclusion The chemical
constituents and medicinal uses of some medicinal plants have progressively
been aided greatly by the development of rapid and accurate methods for
screwing plant for a particular chemicals which the right proportion of
healing substances, now it is known that many dozens (flavonoids) and
(phenolic compounds) can occur in a single plant part (leaves). With this
method, the surveys of plants for biologically active substances are very
easy. The amount of (flavonoids) and (phenolic compound) vary from different
plant species. Chemotaxonomy
characters like any others are useful at all level of taxonomic hierarchy and
the level of their value cannot be easily predicted. It will undoubtedly be
used with increasing frequency in the nearest future because of the chemicals
extracted from plant part (leaves). i.e. (flavonoids) and (phenolic
compounds) are found to be useful in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
In the same countries they have been recorded to be used in the treatment of
some ailments like diabetes, dysentery, diarrhoea, skin diseases, etc. These
chemicals occur rarely in plants and are very useful in taxonomic purposes. Finally, it is this
variation in the chemical constituents in plants, that will make some more
medicinal than others. It also improves the identification and classification
of plant species. And note that no medicinal plant is functional without the
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