F.A. Bamisaye, E.O. Ajani, I.O. Nurain and J.B. Minari
Ethno medicinal importance of Siam Weed ( Chromolaena odorata ) was exploited in five Local government areas of Ogun state, Nigeria, using ques tionnaire. In addition, the aqueous leaves and roots extracts of the plant were studied to ascertain the nature of p hytochemicals (secondary metabolites) therein. This was with a view to provi de the scientific basis for its use for the treatme nt of various ailments and diseases in these Local Gov ernment Areas. The study combined the use of questionnaire with laboratory study. Nine hundred a nd sixty five (965) respondents selected from these five local government areas participated in t he study. Responses from the respondents revealed numerous ethno botanical uses of Chromolaena odorata in the management of many ailments and diseases. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids (0.067% in leaves, 0.056% in roots), phenolics (0.076% in leav es, 0.091% in roots), saponins (0.016% in leaves, 0.012% in roots), steroids (0.004% in leaves, 0.003 % in roots) and tannins (0.054% in leaves and 0.039% in roots). The screening did not reveal the presence of phlobatannins, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, cadenolides and dienolides and trit erpenes in neither the leaves nor the roots of the plant. The presence of these secondary metabolites in Chromolaena odorata may likely form the basis of its effectiveness as ethno pharmacological plant among the Ijebus in Ogun State, Nigeria.
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