Ethnomedicinal and natural phytochemicals of Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel in Aliero, Kebbi State Nigeria

Abstract

The importance of plants in meeting basic human needs is not a new field of research worldwide today due to their diversity in nature, medicinal properties, aromatic substances and metabolites since prehistoric times. In this study, through an administered semi structured questionnaire the traditional uses of Guiera senegalensis were obtained and analyzed the phytochemical composition using standard methods in Aliero. G. senegalensis was shown to be a native and traditional plant used for the treatment of various diseases such as: diarrhea, dysentery, fever, malaria, impotence, conjunctivitis, abdominal pain, migraine, pain, cough, noxious seizures, epilepsy and cataract in the study area. Based on the part G. senegalensis, leaves were the most frequently mentioned (45.50%), roots (27.30%), berries, galls and mistletoes were each had the less frequency used in treated diseases by residents (9.10%). Plant compounds detected in this study were tannins, saponin glycosides, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, steroids, essential oils, saponin glycosides and alkaloids but flavonoid was not detected. The presence of these essential phytochemical compounds justified the use of G. senegalensis as a plant medicine. Therefore, identification of phytochemical compounds using high chromatographic techniques (HPLC/LC/UFLC or GC) analysis to elucidate bioactive compounds presence in leaves of G. senegalencsis.