Phytochemical analysis and the chemotherapeutics of leaves and stembark of Nauclea latifolia grown in Hong, Adamawa State Nigeria

Methanol and aqueous extracts of leaves, stem-bark and roots of the indigenous medicinal plant Nauclea latifolia (Rubiaceae), grown in Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria, were analyzed and found to confirm to their folkloric claims of malaria, jaundice, diarrhea, hypertension, and tuberculosis treatment. Phytochemical screening of the different parts of the plant confirmed the presence of metabolites like saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids and anthraquinones. Steroids were absent in all plant parts. Antimicrobial studies of the methanol, n-hexane and aqueous extracts showed inhibitory activity on Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumonia, Shigella, dysenteriae, and Staphylococcus aureus, with zones of inhibitions of 10 -25mm.This invariably confirms the folkloric usage of the various plant parts in the treatment of the listed diseases with careful selection of extracting solvent.

Author(s): O.N. Maitera, M. E. Khan* and T. F. James

Abstract | PDF

Share This Article