Studies On The Bioactive Principles, Anatomy And Morphology Of Some Medicinal Plants:- Onwuka Adaku S

Abstract The Species of Scorparia Dulcis (Medical plants) belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae) while the species of Spermbosa Ocymoides, Oldenlandia Corymbosa and Mitracarpus Villosus belonging to the family Rubiaceae were investigated in this report with the aim of identifying the existing, difference and similarities among them. They were also chemical constituent including alkaloids, Saponins, tannins, flavonoids, Steroid and phenol were also studied The studies were carried out to the leaf, stem, root, flowers of the four species. Anatomical, morphological significant features of leaf, stem and root were observed. Result from the epidermal varied from wavy or sinuous. Trichomes found on the four species were unicellular. Calcium Oxalate crystals were found in leaf, stem and root of the species investigated. In the phytochemical investigated, the four species contain the chemical compounds; Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins, Flavonoids, Steroids and Phenol. The quantitative they range from: Alkaloids (0.49-0.84), Tannin (3.45-6.03), Flavonoid (0.58-1/02) Saponin (0.71-0.08) Steroid (0.12-0.19) Phenol (0.50-0.19) all in percentage. The four plants were found nutritionally rich. Result obtained showed that the four plants were closely related and despite some few characters of diagnostic importance. These were explained and discussed with the aid of available literature.