Full Project – An overview of phytochemistry of some selected plants – Telfairia Occidentalis (Ugwu) and Gongronema Latifolium (Otazi) and their relevance

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CHAPTER ONE

1.0  Introduction

Phytochemistry is the study of the chemicals produced by plants, particularly the secondary metabolites, synthesized as a measure for self-defense against insects, pests, pathogens, herbivores, ultraviolet exposure and environmental hazards. Phytochemistry takes into account the structural compositions of these metabolites, the biosynthetic pathways, functions, mechanisms of actions in the living systems as well as it’s medicinal, industrial, and commercial applications.

Plants have the ability to synthesize a wide variety of chemical compounds that are used to perform important biological functions and to defend against attack from predators such as insects, fungi and herbivorous mammals (Osuagwu, 2013). Chemical compounds in plants mediate their effects on the human body through processes identical to those already well understood for the chemical compounds in conventional drugs; thus, herbal medicines do not differ greatly from conventional drugs in terms of how they work. This enables herbal medicines to be as effective as conventional medicines, but also gives them the same potential to cause harmful side effects (Meskin, 2002).

The term medicinal plants include various types of plants used in herbs and some of these plants have medicinal activities.

The term medicinal plants include various types of plants used in herbs and some of these plants have medicinal activities. These medicinal plants are considered as rich sources  of  ingredients  which  can be  used in drug development and synthesis (Rasool, 2012). Medicinal plants are important  sources  of  drugs for treatment of several ailments. These plants can be used alone or combined with other plants. The medicinal value of plants lies in some chemical substances that produce a definite physiological action on the human body. The most active of these bioactive compounds (phytochemicals) of plants are alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds. Phytochemicals are chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants and which may affect health and are not yet established as essential nutrients (Kushi et al, 2006).

Phytochemical are naturally occurring nonnutritive plant chemicals that are largely responsible for the protective health benefits of these plantbased foods beyond those conferred by their vitamins and minerals. Phytochemicals give plants their colour, flavour, smell and texture and they also work to affect antioxidant activity, hormonal action, stimulation of enzymes, interference with DNA replication and antibacterial effect among others (Offor et al, 2015). Medicinal plants have been identified and used throughout human history. A great number of the world’s populations, particularly Nigerians, rely on traditional medicines for their primary health care needs (Nsor et al, 2012).

Gongronemalatifolium is a non-woody herbaceous plant from the family of asclepiadaceae. It is widespread in the tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Africa and South America, with a moderate representation in Northern and South-Eastern Asia (Offor, 2014). In South Eastern and South Western Nigeria, Gongronemalatifoliumis commonly called “utazi” and “arokeke” respectively (Ugochukwu et al, 2002). Gongronemalatifoliumis utilizable in many different ways in different places to prepare delicacies in homes and is primarily used as a spice and vegetable in traditional folk medicine. In many situations it is part of herbal prescriptions or preparations administered by herbalists for treatment and or management of certain health challenges. Gongronemalatifoliumis consumed fresh, cooked or dried and applied as powdery spice. Whichever way, it carries a moderate bitter taste that contributes tremendously to its flavor.

Telfairia occidentalis is a vigorous perennial vine, growing to 10m or more in length. The stems have branching tendrils and the leaves are divided into 3– 5 leaflet. The fruits are pale green, 3 – 10 kg in weight, strongly ribbed at maturity and up to 25cm in diameter. The seeds are 3– 5cm in diameter (F.A.O., 1988). T. occidentalis popularly known as fluted pumpkin is cultivated mainly in Southern Nigeria mainly for the leaves and seeds. T. occidentalis leaf are often used as vegetable in the preparation of soups, while the seeds are eaten raw or roasted and also ground into powder and used as soup thickening. In Nigeria, the consumption of the leaf of Telfairia occidentalis as a leafy vegetable in the diet or as an infusion in medicinal preparation is being promoted in view of the various medicinal properties such as antianeamic, antidiaebetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial activities and as a purgative leafy vegetable (Oboh et al., 2006). According to Oboh, (2005) Telfairia occidentalis prevents against garlic – induced oxidative stress. The plant also prevents the occurrence of abdominal pain, small intestine obstruction, dermatitis, asthma and increase of bleeding which are caused by garlic. Several works reporting compositional evaluation and functional properties of various types of edible wild plants in use in developing countries abound in the scientific literature (Ekop, 2007). However, much still needs to be done on the chemical composition of edible leafy vegetables grown in Nigeria. This study therefore is to investigate the phytochemistry of Gongronemalatifolium (Utazi) and Telfairia occidentalis (Ugwu).

1.1  Statement of Problem

The paucity of detailed literature on the subject matter of the phytochemical composition of these indigenous plant materials has resulted in their neglect and underutilization. It is envisaged that the result of this study will initiate the exploitation of preservative, nutraceutical and therapeutic potentials of these plant materials.

1.2  Aim of the study

The aim of the study is to investigate the phytochemistry of Gongronemalatifolium (Utazi) and Telferia Occidentalis (Ugwu).

1.3  Objectives of study

1. To investigate the phytochemical compositions of Gongronemalatifolium (Utazi) leaf.
2. To investigate the phytochemical compositions of Telfairia occidentalis (Ugwu) leaf.
3. To compare the phytochemical composition of Gongronemalatifolium and Telfairia occidentalisleaves.

1.4 Significance of the study

This project is significant in two ways: Practical and Theoretical.

Practical: This research will help the masses to gain a rich understanding on the photochemical compositions and as well as the application of these plants in healthy living.

Theoretical: This study will serve as a source of reference material for future researchers and it will contribute to the volume of literature and scholarly articles on the subject matter of phytochemistry of Gongronemalatifolium  andTelferia occidentalis.

1.5 Scope of Study

This study will cover the following areas:

• Collection and extraction of Gongronemalatifolium and Telferia Occidentalis.
• Phytochemrical screening of Gongronemalatifolium and Telferia Occidentalis.
• Comparation of the phytochemical composition of Gongronemalatifolium) and Telferia Occidentalis.

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Full Project – An overview of phytochemistry of some selected plants – Telfairia Occidentalis (Ugwu) and Gongronema Latifolium (Otazi) and their relevance