Yoruba formulations are now widely accepted as medicinal formulations in rural and most urban areas among the low income earners. This study was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents of these formulations. Five different formulations were purchased from traditional medical dispensers in Aluu, Choba, Alakahia, Rumuosi and Rumuokoro communities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers state Nigeria. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, phenolics and cardiac glycosides. Phylobatanins was absent in all formulations while anthraquinones was absent in the formulation purchased in Aluu community. Quantitative analysis revealed the major components in all five formulations as; Tanins (8.35±0.327 -Aluu; 12.03±0.556-Choba; 5.67±0.231- Alakahia; 7.53±0.456-Rumuosi; 5.63±0.031- Rumuokoro), Flavonoids (4.24±0.21-Aluu; 9.06±0.055- Choba; 5.54±0.051- Alakahia; 7.35±0.021- Rumuosi; 8.13±0.062- Rumuokoro), then alkaloids (2.75±0.07-Aluu; 0.82±0.020- Choba; 5.41±0.100- Alakahia; 3.47±0.023- Rumuosi; 4.77±0.157- Rumuokoro). These phytochemicals have been implicated in several medicinal capacities, hence, the acclaimed medicinal properties of these Yoruba medicinal formulations.
Keywords
Phytochemistry, Yoruba Formulations
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