Evaluation of the phytochemical, antioxidant and nutritional properties of Phyllanthus muellerianus leaves

Plant-derived preparations and isolated phytochemicals or their model derivatives are now used to treat infectious diseases, especially in the light of the emergence of drug-resistant microorganisms and the need to produce more efficacious and cost-effective microbial agents. This study investigated the phytochemical, antioxidant and antinutrient properties of Phyllanthus muellerianus ethanol leaves extract. The extracts were screened for some antinutrient and phytochemical properties using various laboratory methods. Phytochemical examination of Phyllanthus muellerianus showed the presence of saponin, flavonoid, phlobatanin, tannin, steroids, cardiac glycosides and terpenoids. The antioxidant testing showed the increase in % inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), Nitric oxide and reducing power activity as concentration increases. Antinutrient analysis showed higher amount of phytate than oxalate and a higher amount of alkaloid -than tannin. These properties above may be the reason Phyllantus muellerianusplant has been reported to be useful in the treatment of several ailments. Keywords: Phyllanthus muellerianus, Antinutrient, Antioxidants, Phytochemical

Effect of soil nutrient concentrations on the quantity of tannin and flavonoid deposited in Gmelina arborea fruit located in different locations

This research was geared towards the study on the effect of soil nutrient concentrations on the quantity of tannin and flavonoid deposited in Gmelina arborea fruit located in Onigambari forest reserve within latitude 7o 23’ N and longitude 3o 33’ E and environs of Ijebu-Ife  which lies within latitude 6o 47’ N and longitude 4o 2’ E. Soil samples and 50 Gmelina arborea fresh fruits were collected from each  location, the pulps and seeds were air dried for 15 days at room temperature to reduce its moisture content, and then grinded into  powdery forms before being subjected to Trease and Evans technique to screen for the Tannin and Flavonoid quantity. The results were subjected to both t-test and analysis of variance using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) 9.0 version. Means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% probability. The seed (0.54 g) and pulp (0.45 g) harvested from Ijebu-Ife have higher concentration of tannin compared with Onigambari seed (0.06 g) and pulp (0.12 g), also flavonoid concentration of seed (0.11 g) and pulp (0.24 g) of Onigambari is lower than that of Ijebu Ife seed (0.35 g) and pulp (0.40 g). The study shows that variations in soil nutrient concentration levels, soil pH and soil textural class of different locations will influence the quantity of Tannin and Flavonoid of Gmelina arborea fruit. The study further revealed that soil nutrient at concentrations levels that are high and tending towards toxicity will reduce deposits of plant phytochemicals which is a quality parameter in plant nutrition