PAPER TITLE :PHYTOCHEMICALS AND TRACE ELEMENTS COMPOSITION OF LEAF, STEM AND RHIZOME OF COSTUS AFER KER GAWL

APPLIED TROPICAL AGRICULTURE | VOLUME 25 NUMBER 1 2020

Paper Details

  • Author(s) : Adam, A. A. and Lawal, I. O.
  • Abstract:

Phytochemicals and nutrients are indicators of the therapeutic potentials and values of medicinal plants. The discovery of different types of phytochemicals, macro and micro nutrients in plants through scientific investigations continues to provide insights into their therapeutic properties. Costus afer Ker Gawl is ethno-medicinally valued for its anti-diabetetic, anti-hypertensive, antimalarial, anti-hemorrhagic and antimicrobial properties in addition to the several other importance of the plant. This study was designed to assess the phytochemicals and trace elements constituents of different parts of Costus afer. Plant samples collected were subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening and the presence of trace elements was detected using bulk Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Data were analyzed using One-way Analysis of Variance. The results obtained showed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides in all plant parts studied. However, anthraquinones were not detected in any of the plant parts. Manganese concentration was highest in the leaf (0.165 ± 0.001 mg/g), while the highest concentration of iron (0.136 ± 0.001 mg/g) was detected in the rhizome. Also, the rhizome had the highest concentration of zinc (0.044± 0.001 mg/g).Copper and cadmium were however detected in negligible amounts in the leaf and stem samples. The use of Costus afer in traditional medicine,as well as the preference of a plant part over others can be scientifically attributed to the presence of phytochemicals and other nutrients in the various parts used. However, the mechanisms of action of these metabolites and the biochemical roles that these chemical elements play in disease management involving the use of Costus afer have not been scientifically explained. Consequently, pharmacological investigations that will focus on these aspects of disease management and drug discovery are recommended. Abstract Keywords: Costus afer, Phytochemicals, Trace elements, Bioactive Compounds, Traditional Medicine.