Phytochemical and Phytomineral (macro and trace) compositions of the leaf, stem bark and root of <em>Blighia sapida</em> K.D. Koenig

Abstract

Foreign invasions and essential elements inadequacy in the body result in abnormal biological functions of the body, however, medicinal plants trigger desired therapeutic effects through their available phytochemicals and mineral supplementations. Blighia sapida is employed traditionally for the treatment of conjuctivitis, diarrhoea, epilepsy, malaria, internal haemorrhage, ulcer, migraine and as a laxative, among others. This study was designed to analyze the phytochemicals and essential elements present in B.sapida leaf, stem bark and root. The result obtained showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides and saponins in all the plant parts but anthraquinones. The highest concentrations of Ca, Mg and K were recorded in the stem bark (6.57±0.16 mg/g), and leaf (1.07±0.03 mg/g and 0.44±0.01 mg/g) respectively while the leaf had the highest concentration of Mn, Fe, P and Cu (0.0116±0.00 mg/g, 0.4747±0.03 mg/g, 0.1142±0.00 mg/g and 0.0011±0.00 mg/g) respectively. This study justifies the ethnopharmacological uses of B. sapida, thus, further studies on the mechanism of action are paramount in order to elucidate the therapeutic roles of all the phytoconstituents.