Abstract

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.