ABSTRACT

Two species of Momordica (Medicinal plants) BELONGING to the family Cucurbitaceae were investigated in this report with the aim of identifying the existing difference and similarities among them. They were also chemically screened for their chemical constituents includn alkaleids. saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and anthocynin. The medicHal pLints investigated were t!o;noraica charanlia and ü: 'iorJica haLs  ma. Ihe studies were carried out to the leaf,stem, root and flowers of the two species. Anatomical, morphological and histochcnical signIflcam .31UFC of leaf, stem and root were observed. Result from the cpiderm.t tatures showed different shapes which varied from polygonal to sinuous. frichomes found on the two species were multicellular. Calcium oxalate Cr. .;tal:: ' crc iound in leaf, stern and root of the specis nvestigted. Jn ti-c phvichcmcal investigation, the two species contain the chemical compounds:. \lka1eds, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins but some in tracc quaflutY. They range from (0.38 — 0.48) alkaloid, (0.24 -- 0.38) authocani . 1.20) saponins, (0.86 — 0.92) fiavonoicls, and (0.32 — 0.33) tannns, all in percntagc. Also asss w the aim ol estabi iing and und istan ing their nutritional uses were the nutritional values of the phytochemiculs. I he plants had crude fibre (8.85— 11.20)% crude protcin (12.46— .sli (22.30 — 24.10)%, crude lipid (8.55 -- 11 .70)°A, carbohydrate '40.5 42.89)% and food energy (308.75 326.70)%. The two plants were tound nutritionally rich. The mineral contents were also assessed. Resuk obti! cd showed that the two plants were closely related and derte •'me c\\ charactersof diagnostic importance.These were expained and Hscus•cd with the aid of available literature.