A Review of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Properties of Some Selected Nigerian Plants

Osakwe¹*, Stephen Anapuwa, Dietespiff² And Imbolo Folusho²

¹Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State Nigeria.

²Department of Chemistry, Novena University, Ogume, Delta State Nigeria.

ABSTRACT: This paper reviewed the medicinal and pharmaceutical properties of some selected Nigerian medicinal plants. The seed of Garcina cola used as antipoison and treatment of breast cancer, and Prospermum corymbiferun plant concoction used for treating all dermal infections have been reported to contain tannins, saponins, glucosides, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids and resins which show the pharmacological properties of the plants. The leaves of Helianthus annus used for the treatment of wounds because of its blood clothing property has been shown to contain quinines which are components of vitamin K in addition to alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides and proteins. Extracts of Sanservieria trifasciata used for treating convulsions, fevers and respiratory disorders, and Crinum jagus bulbs extract used for treating malaria, sores and chronic cough have been reported to contain some active principles that inhibit the growth of different types of bacteria. Vernonia amydalina used for the treatment of skin infections, diabetes, prostrate cancer and a host of other diseases has been reported to possess vernodalin, venomygdin and sapon which serve as inhibitors to microbial growth. Generally the inhibition action of the active principles possessed by these plants on micro organisms is ascribed to the mechanism which impairs variety of enzyme systems including those involved in energy production and interfere with the integrity of the cell membrance and structural component synthesis.

KEYWORDS: Medicinal Plants; Diseases; Pharmaceutical Properties; Active Principles; Antimicrobial Activities

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