“Phytochemical analysis of Laportea iiestuans (wood neetle) and its medicinal uses in Umudike:- Nweke Chidiebere I

ABSTRACT

( The research was carried out in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State. Laportea aestuans plants were used for the study and were collected from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State using stratified random sampling technique. The phytochemical analysis was carried out using spectrophotometer to determine the content of alkaloid, sterols, flavonoid, tannins, saponins, anthraquinone, glycosides and terpenoid of Laportea aestuans and to determine the beneficial medicinal uses ofthe contents to humans. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Duncan Multiple Range Test was used to separate means on ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). The study revealed that the plant parts of Laportea aestuans parts contain phytochemicals with the stem having the highest values and root having the least values respectively. The study revealed that every plant part ofLaportea aestuans contains these phytochemicals but in different levels. (Alkaloid, glycoside, sterols, flavonoid, tannins, saponins, anthraquinone and terpenoid) are potential sources for useful drugs in both traditional and English medicine. The study revealed that Laportea aestuans could serve as a useful plant for promising medicinal uses and not just to be seen as a weed.