ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF GUIERA SENEGALENSIS LAM. IN MUBI LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF ADAMAWA STATE
Zakawa N. N.*, Akesa T. M., Timon D., Yusuf C. S., Magga B. and Jacob G. F.
Abstract
The Sudano-Sahelian species Guiera senegalensis is a small shrub
found mainly in West Africa. It is well known in the Sahel, where it
grows gregariously, forming abundant single-species colonies on
fallow clay or sandy soils. Six (6) traditional medical practitioners
were interviewed from different location in the study area (Mubi North
and Mubi South L.G.A). The ethnobotanical survey revealed that
various plant parts can be used to relief various sickness (Malaria,
Fever, Dental absesse, e.t.c.) with the leaves (8) being the most
frequently used part. New uses of plant part by traditional medical
practitioners were recorded especially the use of decocted leaves to
relief abdominal pains and migraines. Phytochemical analysis of most used part of the plant
were carried out which revealed the presences of some major classes of secondary
metabolites, namely; anthraquinones, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tanins and
cardiotrnic and cyanogenic glycosides. Further investigation should be carried out to extract
the active component in Giuera senegalensis which will serve as a potential medicine for the
phytotherapeutic arsenal.
Keywords: Ethnobotany, Phytochemical, Giuera senegalensis, Decoction and Medicinal plants.
[Full Text Article]