Pilot Investigation into the Pharmaceutical Constituents of Annona senegalensis
Wodi, Theresa Chizoba *
Department of Chemistry, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Momta, Philp Nukebabari
Department of Chemistry, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Festus Chioma
Department of Chemistry, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The pilot investigation of the active constituents in the leaves of Annona Senegalensis revealed that the leaf has alkaloid, saponins, tannins, protein and volatile oil as the major components. The following nutrients were found in the leaf ash: calcium, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, chromium and cobalt. The extracts from the leaf were characterized using thin layer chromatography (TLC), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and melting point. Bio-assay of fractions of extracts from the leaf of the plant was also performed. At high concentrations, the extracted fractions showed strong inhibiting effect and anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus aureus. FT-IR confirmed the presence of functional groups of the leaf extract which were probably contributors to its bioactivity The Retention factor values and melting point indicated that the fractions are pure compounds. The pharmacological screening confirmed the medicinal value of this plant and justified its use for the cure of impetigo of the new born, respiratory problems, elevated blood pressure, dysentery and diarrhea. The use of this plant as an antibiotic drug is hereby recommended.
Keywords: Effects of Fungicides, Annona senegalensis, Yield and Diseases of Rice, chromatography, antibacterial, FTIR, Impetigo, phytochemical