Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF ICACINA TRICHANTHA ROOTS AND ITS EFFECT ON MORTALITY OF WOOD TERMITE

*Edori O. S. and Ekpete O. A.

Abstract

Icacina trichantha root tuber was extracted in aqueous medium. The extract was assessed for phytochemical screening and also tested on termites to examine its mortal effects. The phytochemical screening of the plant showed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids and carbohydrates. The original extract was further diluted serially to 25, 20, 15, 10, 5 and 0.00 mg/L concentrations. The termites were introduced into petri dishes smeared with the extract and a touch of the extract on the abdomen and examined for 70 minutes. The mortality of the termites was found to be concentration and time dependent. The result of the phytochemical screening and components observed calls for further examination. Moreover, in the recent quest for more potent and environmental friendly drugs, it will be found useful in drug synthesis and pharmacological studies. The extract can also serve as an alternative termiticide to replace the synthetic ones because of its effectiveness in causing death of termites.

Keywords: Icacina trichantha, annins, saponins, alkaloids and carbohydrates.