Evaluation of the Phytochemical Constituents of Extracts of Kigelia africana Fruit and Sorghum bicolor, Stalk in Lagos Nigeria
Nkem F. Obianagha
Department of Chemical Pathology and Immunology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Shagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Chukwuma J. Okafor *
Department of Pathology and Biochemistry, State University of Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Ufuoma Chukwuani
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State, Nigeria.
Omobolanle Abioye Ogundahunsi
Department of Chemical Pathology and Immunology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Shagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Steve O. Ogbonnia
Department of Pharmacy, Anambra State University, Igbariam, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Hassan Thabit Haji
Department of Human Physiology, State University of Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Othman Hakum Said
Department of Human Anatomy, State University of Zanzibar, Tanzania.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The use of herbal medicines and phytonutrients or nutraceuticals with numerous secondary metabolites continues to expand rapidly across the world, with many people now resorting to these products to treat various health challenges in different national healthcare settings. Therefore, the study is aimed at evaluating the phytochemical composition in the fruit extract of Kigelia africana and Sorghum bicolor stalks bought from the Mushin market in Lagos, Nigeria to ascertain its numerous pharmacological activities and identify the various chemical compounds responsible for these activities. Ethanol extracts of identified fresh fruits of K. africana and S. bicolor stalks (L) were prepared for phytochemical screening using established methods for Alkaloids, Tannins, Phenols, Flavonoids, and Terpenoids testing as well as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis (GC-MS) for the analysis of the extracts. The chemical constituents present in both extracts were tannins, phenols, flavonoids, and saponins as well as alkaloids found only in K. africana. Also, the chromatogram of K. africana revealed the presence of forty-four (44) phytochemical constituents. At the same time, that of S. bicolor were twenty-nine (29) phytochemical constituents that could contribute to the medicinal quality of the plant with 9, 12-Octadeadienoic acid (Z, Z), and 13-Docosenoic acid, methyl ester, (Z) found as the major compounds respectively. The K africana and S. bicolor African indigenous plants in Lagos, Nigeria, possess different phytocomponents of scientific importance, biological action, and potential medicinal properties. There is a need for more standardization and purification of this herbal formulation for the treatment of diseases.
Keywords: Kigelia africana, Sorghum bicolor, Phytochemical, Gas chromatography.