ABS T R A CT

Three species of phyllantus namely P. (and P. llrililiria belonging to the family of Euphorbiaceae were compared and examined with the aim of identifying the existing relationship a1io11g these taxa. Alkaloid, tannin, saponin', flavonoid and anthocyanin content of the Species were also assessed and conipared. Studies were carried out on the root, lea I stem and epiderin is of' ti ie di f'Irent species. 1'he results obtained from the investigation showed features of' anatomical and morphological iniportailce iii tIle stein, loot and leaf' of the species. Results ftom epidermal morphology showed difflrences in shapes of' [lie cells, which varied from hexagonal and sinuous in P. itnianis to sinuous-walled in P. aniarus and 1'. un liar/a. All the species investigated contained high percentage of flavonoid and tannin ranging lioiii (0.84-0.64%) and (1 .259-1 . 15 1%) respectively. Alkaloids, aiitliocyanin and saponion were also investigated ranging from alkaloid (0.72-0.40%), anthocyanin (0.70-0.42%) and saponion (1.12-0.80%). The nutritional values of the pliytochemica!s were also assessed with a view of establishing and understanding their nutritional uses. The plants contained crude protein (1 5.53-1 1 .68%), crude fibre (12.55- 8.93%), ash (28.00-26.40%), carbohydrate (40.59-34. 1 7%), fat content (11.35-9.85%) and food ciiergy (307.57-300.95mg/cal). Among the plants, 1'. ainarus and P. ,,,riiroules are nutritionally rich. The signi licance of the plants in traditional medicine and the importance of the distribution of these chemical constituents in pharmaceutical industries were discussed in 1 inc with the role of these plants in ethno medicinal Ii f'e of the PeOl)le.