Pharmacognostic Standardization and Chemical Study of Euphorbia nutans Lag. Euphorbiaceae
Uwemedimo Francis Umoh *
Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Romanus Asuquo Umoh
Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Imoh Imeh Johnny
Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Onojah John Enema
Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Azibanasamesa D. C. Owoba
Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Esther James
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study was designed to set macro/micro morphological standards, phytochemical and physicochemical parameters for the identification of E. nutans, a traditional remedy for the management of many disesases.
Study Design: To establish pharmacognostic standards for proper identification of E. nutans and also study its phytochemicals using Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
Place and Duration: This work was undertaken at the Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria for three month spanning from April through June, 2022.
Methodology: Examination of microscopic characters, venation, chemomicroscopy, micromeritic properties, fluorescence analysis and phytochemical profiling using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were carried out.
Results: Epidermal cell shapes were irregular with undulate-sinuous anticlinal walls. Stomatal distribution was amphistomatic with anisocytic and anomocytic stomata on both surfaces. Areolation was quadrangular, linear and biforked vein termination. The fluorescence characteristics showed the presence of different colours supporting the presence of various phytoconstituents for both leaf and stem. The flow properties for both leaf and stem were poor while GC-MS analysis of the dichloromethane extracts revealed lupeol (64.05%), 2-methylhexacosane (9.37%), stigmasterol (4.16%) and campesterol (1.29%) as major components in the leaf while campesterol (0.67%), stigmasterol (2.15 %), beta.-sitosterol (6.22%), lupeol (9.85%) and vitamin E (1.05%) for the stem extract.
Conclusion: The results of the study could be useful for correct identification, standardization and preparation of monograph.
Keywords: Euphorbia nutans, pharmacogostic, standardization, micromeritic, GC/MS analysis