PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF LORANTHUS MICRANTHUS LINN. PARASITIC ON SIX DIFFERENT HOST PLANTS.

ABSTRACT

Qualitative and quantitative screenings of the leaves of Eastern Nigerian mistletoe, Loranthus micranthus L., parasitic on six different plant species namely, Kola accuminata, Albizia adiantifolia, Anona cherimola, Citrus sinensis, Citrus auriantifolia and Pentaclethra macrophylla were carried out in the laboratories of Pharmacognosy agnd Biochemistry Departments of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka respectively. The results showed the presence of eleven phytochemicals namely: reducing sugars, terpenoids, resins, carbohydrates, saponins, proteins, alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, tannins and flavonoids and absence of oils and acidic compounds. The results also showed variations in concentrations of the phytochemicals in the leaves of L. micranthus from the various trees investigated. It is recommended that further studies be done to isolate, characterize, and identify the phytochemicals responsible for curing diseases, so as to facilitate biotechnological exploitation of the species in the production of potent orthodox drugs.