Saponins and tannins in the species of Stachytarpheta found in Awka, Nigeria and their taxonomic implications

Abstract

Saponins and tannins content of the three Stachytarpheta species present in Awka, South East Nigeria was tested so as to establish taxonomic evidence between these species.  Standard phytochemical methods were used in this analysis. However, the results revealed the presence of saponins and tannins in all parts of the three Stachytarpheta species, thus, a reason for their placement in the same family is justified. The quantitative phytochemical results of the three Stachytarpheta species were analyzed. The highest saponin content was found in the leaf of S. jamaicensis (1.82±0.025) while the least saponin content was found in the root of S. angustifolia (0.14±0.018). Also, the leaf of S. cayannensis had the highest tannin content (5.96±0.015) and the least tannin content was found in the root of S. jamaicensis (0.99±0.028). Also, the result obtained from the quantitative analyses of these species may be a significant taxonomic solution in the placement of these  Stachytarpheta species.