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VOL. 10, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Assessment of the phytochemical analysis of Acacia nilotica plant
Authors
Yanda Mohammed Kudu, Ehirim Appolinus Ikechi, Njoku Chidi Peter, Nwaodu MaryClaret Njideka, Emenyonu Emeka, Azuike Chidiebere
Abstract
Acacia nilotica is an
important multipurpose medicinal plant. It was used for the treatment of
various diseases and is widely distributed throughout the tropical and
sub-tropical regions. The different parts of Acacia nilotica like roots,
leaves, bark, gum, flowers and pods were recognized as a component of
traditional medicine in different countries. This
study is aimed at the assessment of the phytochemical profile, alkaloids,
saponins, tannins and flavonoids of leaves and stem bark extracts of Acacia
nilotica. The stem bark and leaves of the plant were collected, dried for
three weeks, and ground into powder using mortar and pestle. Soxhlet extractor
was used to extract the phytochemicals with petroleum ether and methanol as
solvents. The extracts were tested for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and
tannins. Then, the flavonoids were separated by lead acetate method and the
isolated ones were subjected to pH determination and solubility profile test.
The thin layer chromatography of the various fractions was done using suitable
solvent media and the Rf, values were calculated. The results show
that alkaloids were found in all the extracts, while saponins, tannins and
flavonoids were found in the methanol extracts but not in the petroleum ether
extracts of both the leaves and the stem bark. The isolated ones were all found
to dissolve in water, but not in organic solvents like acetone and methanol.
Various Rf values ranging from 0.05 – 0.93 were obtained. This
implies that the extracts contain both polar and non-polar secondary
metabolites. The pH values obtained show that the extracts are slightly acidic
to slightly alkaline. Phytochemical analysis of Acacia nilotica plant
extracts indicated the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids
which contain chemical constituents of pharmacological importance. This will
definitely provide a cheap source of these compounds which are used in
pharmaceutical, perfumery and many other industries.
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Pages:64-69
How to cite this article:
Yanda Mohammed Kudu, Ehirim Appolinus Ikechi, Njoku Chidi Peter, Nwaodu MaryClaret Njideka, Emenyonu Emeka, Azuike Chidiebere "Assessment of the phytochemical analysis of <i>Acacia nilotica</i> plant". International Journal of Chemical Science, Vol 10, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 64-69
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