Full Length Research
Comparative Study of the
Phytochemical Properties of
Jatropha curcas and
Azadirachta indica Plant
Extracts
Harry-Asobara, Joy
Linda* and Samson, Eno-Obong Okon
Abstract
Phytochemical studies were
carried out on the plant
parts of Jatropha curcas
(L.) and Azadirachta
indica (A. Juss)
found in the South Eastern
parts of Nigeria with a view
to highlighting their
pre-existing secondary
metabolites which have
varieties of biological
activities attributed to
them. Qualitative and
quantitative analysis of
seven secondary metabolites
(alkaloids, tannins,
saponins, flavonoids,
phenols, HCN and phytate)
were undertaken. The result
showed that all secondary
metabolites analyzed were
present in all tissues of
the two plant species
studied but at different
concentrations. The
concentration of Alkaloid
(1.38), Flavonid (0.44) and
Saponin (0.72) contents of
Neem leaf was observed to be
more than in other parts of
the neem plant and also more
than as found in other plant
parts of J. curcas.
Phenolic contents of Neem
leaf and bark were observed
to be the same (0.18).
However, Jatropha seed
contained the highest
percentage of HCN (60.07)
and Phytate (0.54) than any
other part of the two
species while Jatropha
bark and Jatropha
leaf had highest percentages
of phenol (0.24) and tannin
(0.46) respectively.
Generally aside HCN
contents, alkaloids were the
most abundant in neem plant
parts followed by saponins,
flavonoids, phytates,
tannins and then phenols.
Jatropha plant parts however
contained less alkaloids and
phenols than the other
phytochemicals. Results
obtained therefore spotlight
these important
phytochemicals in the tree
species. However, variations
observed in their
concentrations confer value
and individuality on the
species.
Key words: Jatropha
curcas, Azadirachta indica,
Plant parts, Extracts,
phytochemical.
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