EVALUATION OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF DACRYODES EDULIS AND RAPHIA HOOKERI MANN AND WENDL EXUDATES USED IN HERBAL MEDICINE IN SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA

Authors

  • D. F. Okwu
  • Fred U. Nnamdi

Keywords:

Exudates, Dacroydes edulis, Raphia hookeri, Bioactive compounds, Vitamins, Pharmaceutical agents.

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 (2.08-3.98mg 100g-1), alkaloids (0.28-0.49 mg 100g-1), tannins (0.47-0.72 mg 100g-1), flavonoids (0.26-0.39 mg 100g-1), and phenolic compounds (0.01-0.05 mg 100g-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 100g-1), niacin (3.12-4.00 mg 100g-1), riboflavin (0.14-0.54 mg 100g-1) and thiamine (0.15-0.22 mg 100g-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.

Author Biography

D. F. Okwu

Department of Chemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike. P.M.B 7267, Umuahia Nigeria

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Published

2007-09-26

How to Cite

Okwu, D. F., & Nnamdi, F. U. (2007). EVALUATION OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF DACRYODES EDULIS AND RAPHIA HOOKERI MANN AND WENDL EXUDATES USED IN HERBAL MEDICINE IN SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 5(2), 194–200. Retrieved from https://journals.athmsi.org/index.php/ajtcam/article/view/350

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2008)

Section

Research Papers

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