PHARMACOGNOSTIC STANDARDIZATION ON THE LEAF OF BREONADIA SALICINA HEPPER AND J. R. I. WOOD (RUBIACEAE)

Abstract

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the macroscopical, microscopical, physicochemical
studies and preliminary phytochemical screening on the leaves of Breonadia salicina.
Study design: The study include collection and identification of the plant, macroscopic and
microscopic leaf examination as well as preliminary phytochemical and physico-chemical
evaluations.
Place and duration of the study: The study was carried out in the Department of Pharmacognosy
and Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kaduna State University, Kaduna.
The study was conducted from September to December 2022.
Methodology: The plant was collected around Kudingi Village, Giwa Local Government Area,
Kaduna state, Nigeria. Sample was then identified and authenticated in the Department of Botany,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Macroscopic and microscopic leaf examination as well as
preliminary phytochemical and physico-chemical evaluations were carried out using standard
methods.
Results: Macroscopically, the leaves of the plant was observed to be of pinnate arrangement with
dimension up to 38.5 cm; lamina is lanceolate, margin of the lamina is entire, apex is acute and
the base is symmetrical while petiole is long up to 4.8 and light green in colour. The leaf has
characteristic odour and leathery texture while the surfaces are glaborous. Microscopically,
polygonal epidermal cells, slightly wavy anticlinal walls, anomocytic types of stomata observed.
Phytochemicals present include flavonoids, saponins and tannins, while alkaloids were absent.
Physicochemical parameters showed moisture contents of 13.50 ± 0.34; percentage yield of total
ash was 9.0 ± 0.20. For the acid insoluble ash, the value was 2.2 ± 0.12, while for water-soluble
ash, the values determined was 1.2 ± 0.12. The percentage ethanol and aqueous extractive values
of the sample was 12.3 ± 0.10 and 15.7 ± 0.10.
Conclusion: The research conducted could be utilized for the identification, evaluation and
standardization of this plant species.