Author(s):

Abdullahi MS, Abubakar US, Safiyanu I, Hadiza RJ, Sa’adatu AU and Jamila GA

Abstract: The present study investigated the phytochemical constituents and levels of heavy metals in some commonly used medicinal plants; Securidaca longipedunculata (root bark), Guiera senegalensis (leaves) and Boswellia dalzielii (stem bark). The phytochemical analysis showed that saponins, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, alkaloids and flavonoids were present in all the three plant species. On the other hand, the heavy metals analysis showed that chromium and arsenic were not detected in all the three plant species, while lead was detected in the stem bark of Boswellia dalzielii (0.0010 ± 0.00 mg/kg). Also, trace amounts of cadmium were detected in the root bark of Securidaca longipedunculata (0.0002 ± 0.00 mg/kg) and leaves of Guiera senegalensis (0.0004 ± 0.00 mg/kg). The study has shown that the common toxic metals (lead, chromium and arsenic) were not detected in the root bark of Securidaca longipedunculata and leaves of Guiera senegalensis. Also, the level of lead detected in the stem bark of Boswellia dalzielii and level of cadmium detected in the root bark of Securidaca longipedunculata and leaves of Guiera senegalensis were below the recommended limits.

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