© Journal of Applied and Environmental Sciences 2010 Vol. 6, No. 1. pp. 20-24 Online service provided at www.japenvsci.com E-mail:
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Ethnobotanical survey and chemotaxonomy of some tropical pteridophytes in Ekiti and Ondo states of Nigeria *1
Omotayo, F.O. and 2Borokini, T.I.
1
Herbarium Unit, Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, 301101. Nigeria. 2Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) Unit, Research and Development Section, National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Ibadan. 2000001.Nigeria. Received 14 August 2009; Revised 2 February, 2010; Accepted 8 February, 2010
ABSTRACT The ethnobotanical survey and chemotaxonomy of some commonly used pteridophytes in Ekiti and Ondo State of Nigeria revealed the presence of twelve pteridophytes belonging to eight different families vide licet: Adiantaceae, Athyriaceae, Dennstaedtiaceae, Gleicheniaceae, Oleandraceae, Polypodiaceae, Pteridaceae and Thelypteridaceae. These pteridophytes were rich in alkaloid, saponin, terpenoid, flavonoid and tannin, but steroid and cardiac glycoside occurred sporadically, while phlobatannin was completely absent in them. Keywords: Ethnobotanical, Chemotaxonomy, pteridophytes, Ekiti-Ondo, Nigeria.
as vascular plants with few economic values (7, 8). It has been observed that the chemotaxonomy (comparative phytochemistry at family level) has not been elucidated, hence the reason for this present research.
INTRODUCTION Pteridophytes (ferns and their allies) are found all over the world from sea level to high mountain (1, 2, 3). They are descended from some of the oldest plants of the earth’s history, being found as fossils dating back nearly 400 million years. Although, most are found in both tropical and temperate regions, their habits range from sea sprayed cliffs through fresh rivers and lakes to the semi-desert of arid climates (1, 2, 3). They are of economic benefits to man and the uses include: medicinal, food, polishes, ornamentals, fibres, pillow stuffing, cultural usages (1). This plant group (pteridophytes) generally has been known to contain cyanogenetic compound, phenolics, bioflavonoids, flavan, pterosins binaphtoquinone, phloroglucinols and phytoecdysones and alkaloids (4). In Nigeria, the leaves of Diplazium sammatii are used as vegetables (5) while some others are used for sexually transmitted diseases, mouth problem, warts and cancers (6). They are classified
MATERIALS AND METHODS Collection, identification and field techniques involved for the specimens Three senatorial districts were visited in each of Ekiti and Ondo state and villages far from urban influence were chosen for the fieldwork. Semistructured interviews and discussion with selected informants were adapted according to (9). Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Method was used to ascertain the information provided (10). Further, a modified white-taker nested quadrant method (11) and normal field techniques for plant collection and herbarium development were used for vegetation sampling and plant collection. The pteridophytes discovered were authenticated by the Herbarium curator, Department of
* Corresponding author
:
[email protected] : + 234 706 0521 231
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Survey of some tropical pteridophytes, Nigeria
sexually transmitted diseases, cancers, sore gums, skin problem, obesity and diabetes (Table 1). The chemotaxonomy of pteridophytes revealed that eight different families were represented namely Athyriaceae (1 species), Oleandraceae (2 species), polypodiaceae (3 species), pteridaceae (1 species) and Thelypteridaceae (2 species) (Table 2). Steroid and Phlobatannin were not detected in Diplazium sammatii (Athyriaceae) and Leptogramma pilosiuscula of the family Thelypteridacae. The family Adiantaceae represented by Pallaea schewenfurthii has alkaloid, tannin, saponin, steroid, terpenoid, flavonoid but no phlobatannin and cardiac glycosides were detected. In addition, Gleichenia species of the family Gleicheniaceae did not possess phlobatannin and cardiac glycosides. The family Oleandraceae represented by Nephrolepis sp. (Syn. N. bisserata) and Nephrolepis sp. A. has alkaloid, tannin, saponin, terpenoid in both species, but lacks steroid and cardiac glycoside in the former only and flavonoid in the latter only but phlobatannin was completely absent in the two species from this family. The family polypodiaceae represented by Platycerium bifurcatum and Platycerium elephantotis lacks phlobatannin and cardiac glycoside only while other phytochemicals were present. The family pterida-
Plant Science, Faculty of Science, University of Ado-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Samples of the pteridophytes collected were later deposited as voucher specimens in this same herbarium. Phytochemical screening of samples For the chemotaxonomy or comparative phytochemistry of the plants’ families, the pteridophytes were screened, using their powdered extract for the presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, phlobatannin, terpenoid, flavonoid and cardiac glycoside. Alkaloids were detected using the method of Harborne (12) and Udayakumar et al. (19), the persistent frothing test was used to detect saponins (13), the methods of Trease and Evans (4) and Odebiyi and Sofowora (13) were used to detect tannins, while phlobatamin, terpenes/terpenoids (Salkowski test), steroids and cardiac glycosides (keller-killani test) were detected as described by Trease and Evans (4). The presence of flavonoids was determined using the three methods of Trease and Evans (4), Harborne (12) and Swain (14). RESULTS The pteridophytes are of economic values to the indigenes of Nigeria being used for food, medicinal purposes (gastroenteritis, microbial infections, Table 1. The eth nobotany of the selected pteridophytes S/N 1.
Pteridophytes Di plazium sammatii (Kunn) C. Chr. (Athyriaceae).
2. 3.
Nephrolepi s spp. Scnott Syn bisserata(Oleandraceae) Nephrolepi s sp. A. Schott. (Ol eandraceae)
4.
Dr ynaria volkensi Hi eron. (Polypodiaceae)
5.
Pneumatopteris afra (C. chr.) Holtum (Thelypteri daceae) Syn. Cyclosorus afer (Chrstm) Ching. Pallaca schweinfurthii (Heiron) Dleis (Adiantaceae)
6.
7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
Platycerium elephantoti s Schweinf. (Polypodiaceae) Syn. Plat yceriu m angolense Welw ex Hook. Pteri s togoen sis Hiern (Pt eridaceae) Gl eichenia spp. Sm. (Gleichcniaceae) Platycerium bifurcatum(Cav) C Chr (Pol yp od iaceae) Pteri dum aquilinum (L) Kuhn Leptogramma pillosiuscula (Wilkstr) Als ton (Thelypteri daceae).
21
Ethnomedicinal uses/properties The leaves are used as vegetables and as a medi cinal plant for gastroen teriti s. Leaves for gastroenteritis and skin infections. A savanna speci es growing on soil near water used for microbial infections. The whole plant extract i s used for the treatment of gonorrhea and other ven ereal diseas es. A water-side popular fern used for various d iseases like gastroenteritis, skin-problems and even used medi co magicall y. The Cliff-brake fern is used for sore gums, mouth cancers and gin givitis. The leaves als o are used for microbial infecti ons The fronds (leaves) are used for s kin infections The crushed fronds and the powdered rhizome are for diss olving warts and tumors. The leaves are used for skin problems The leaves are used for skin infections . The leaves are for microbial infections. Rhizome powder for obesity and diabetes.
Omotayo, F.O. and Borokini, T.I.
Journal of Applied and Environmental Sciences
Tabl e 2. Phytochemical properties of th e selected pteridophytes
S/N
The pteridophytes
1.
Diplazium sammatii (Kuhn) C. Chr. (Athyriaccae) Nephrolepis spp. Schott Syn. N. bissertata. Nephrolepis sp. A Schott Drynaria volkensi. Hieron (Polypodiaceaz) Pneumatopteris afra C. Chr Holttum (The lypteridaceae) Syn. Cyclosorus afer (Christrm) Ching. Pallaea schweinfurthi (Hieron) Diels (Adiantacae) Plarycerium elephantoti s. Schweint (polyp odaceae) Syn. Ploycerium angolense welw ex Hook. Pteris togoensis. Item. (Pteridaceae) Gleichenia spp. (Glecichemiceae) Platycerium bifurcatum (Cav) C. Chr. (polyp odiacenc) Pteridium aquilinum (L) Kuhn (Dennstaedtiaceae) Leptogramma pillosiuscula (Wikstr) Alston. (Thely pteridaceae)
2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7.
8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
+
+
+
-
-
+
+
+
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + + +
+ + -
-
+ + + +
+ +
+ + +
+
+
+
+
-
+
+
-
+
+
+
+
-
+
+
-
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + +
-
+ + +
+ + +
-
+
+
+
+
-
+
+
+
+
+
-
-
+
+
+
ceae represented by Pteris togoensis lacks phlobatannin and cardiac glycoside only. The family Dennstaedtiaceae represented by Pteridium aquilinum lacks only phlobatannin.
ties such as (4) mentioned certain chemicals like cyanogenetic compound, phenolics, bio-flavonoids, flavan, pterosins, bina-phtaquinone, phloroglucinols and phytoecdysones and alkaloids as being present
DISCUSSION
in pteridophytes. Alkaloids have a wide range of pharmacological activities and these include their actions on the autonomic nervous system, blood vessels, promotion of diuresis, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, uterus, malignant diseases, infection and malaria according to (4, 15). Tannins are well known for their anti-oxidant and antimicrobial properties whereas saponins lower the cholesterol level, have anti-diabetes, anticarcinogenic activity and stimulate immune response (4). Phlobatannins are noted for their astringency. Flavonoids are revered for their antioxidant properties, while cardiac glycosides act on heart muscle and increase renal flow (17, 20). Terpenoids or terpenes have anti-hepatoxic properties thus helping to prevent liver damage (cirrhosis), they are equally anti-septic thus working against infections (4, 20). Steroids regulate
The search for herbal remedies as alternative medicine in health care delivery is on the increase. The various countries are working towards formulation of their own pharmacopoeia. From the table 1, it could be seen that pteridophytes are important in primary health care delivery system while from table 2, it could be seen that virtually all phytochemicals mentioned except phlobatannin could be found in pteridophytes. These phytochemicals occur as secondary metabolites or secondary plant products that have been noted for their pharmacological actions (4, 16). According to (6) alkaloid was only mentioned for both Pteris togoensis and Pallaca schweinfurthii as being present while Platyceriun elephantotis was said to contain inulin, saponins and tannins. For pteridophytes in general, authori22
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Survey of some tropical pteridophytes, Nigeria
carbohydrate and protein metabolism and also possess anti-inflammatory properties (17, 21). Certain work done revealed that these chemicals may or may not be all present simultaneously in a single species depending on how rich the individual plant may be (18). Much use of these phytochemicals have been stressed in human nutrition (22). Conclusively, this research work revealed that phlobatannin is bizarre as a phytochemical among the pteridophytes. However, there is need to investigate the proximate composition, nutritive values, anti-nutrients composition and antimicrobial activity of these plants which will commence shortly.
Manual. Chapman & Hall. London. pp. 1-268. 10. Ballick, M.J., Arvigo, R. and Romero, L. (1996). Plants, people and culture. Scientific American Library, New York. pp.1-200. 11. Stohlgren, T.J., Falkner, M.B. and Shell, L.D. (1994). A modified whitetaker nested Quadrant for vegetation sampling method. Vegetation. 117:113-121. 12. Harborne, J.B (1973); Phytochemical methods. 3 rd ed. Chapman & Hall Ltd; London. pp.135-203.‘ 13. Odebiyi, O.O. and Sofowora, E.A. (1978). Phytochemical screening of Nigerian medicinal plants. Lloydia. 41(3): 234-246. 14. Swain, T. (1966): Comparative phytochemistry. Academic press, London. & New York. pp.1-100. 15. Omotayo, F.O. and Omoyeni, O.A. (2009). Phytochemical, anti-nutrient and mineral composition of extract of leaves of Waltheria americana. L (Syn W. indica. L) and bark of Okoubaka aubrevillei. Pellegr & Normand. Bull Biol Sci. 6(1): 1-6. 16. Heldt, H-N. (2005). Plant Biochemistry 3rd ed. Academic Press/Elsevier. Burlington/San Diego. p. 630. 17. Nielson, D.L. and Cox, M.M. (2005). Lenninger’s Principles of Biochemistry 4th ed. Palgrave Macmillan/ W.H. Freeman. Indian ed. New Delhi. p. 1-1119. 18. Ashaolu, M. F. and Omotayo, F.O. (2007). Phytochemical, nutritive and anti-nutritive composition of leaves of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Syn. Moringa pterygosperma. Gaertn) (Moringaceae). Recent progress in Medicinal plants. Phytochem. Pharmacol. III. 17:339-344. 19. Udayakumar, R., Velmurugan, H., Sivanesan, D. and Koishnal, R. (2003). Phytochemical and antimicrobial studies of extracts of Solanum xanthocarpum, Ancient Sci. Life. 23(2):90-94. 20. Finar, I.L. (2001). Organic Chemistry vol.2. Stereochemistry and chemistry of natural
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