Bekinbo Mpakaboari Tonye

Preliminary characterization and isolation of phytomedicinal components of dried black fruits of xylopia aethiopica in hydro-methanolic (1:4 v/v), hydro-ethanolic (1:4, v/v), methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous solvents has been compared. Results showed variability and significant differences in phytomedicinal compositions and the potency ranked: hydro-methanolic > hydro-ethanolic > methanolic > ethanolic = aqueous and the percentage difference was 75%, 54%, 45.8%, 29% =29% which perhaps validates the efficacy of the therapeutic potentials of xylopia aethiopica for many of the traditional medicinal applications.  Anthraquinone and combined anthraquinone were exclusively found in hydro-methanolic and methanolic concentrates and accounted for 44.4 % and 33.3 % respectively. Glycosides (-terpene, sterols and deoxy-sugar) accounted for 100% in hydro-alcoholic concentrates respectively. Alkaloids and the phenolic compounds flavonoids and tannins with the exception of saponins which was negligible or absence in the solvents were also the phytomedicinial constituents. Results suggest that the ability of hydro-alcoholic to enhance the isolation of useful constituents might be attributed to the differential solubility of the combined hydrophobic and hydrophilic components of the phytomedicinal bioactive ingredients in the solvent which, is still subject to further studies. Hydro-alcoholic, specifically hydro-methanolic, therefore is recommended for isolation and characterization of economically important medicinal plants of medical interest.