Phytochemical Studies And Comparative Efficacy Of The Crude Extracts Of Some Haemostatic Plants In Edo And Delta States Of Nigeria

Leaves of Ageratum conyzoides (L), Alchornea cordifolia (Schym and Thonn) Muel. Arg, Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams, Baphia nitida (Lodd), Chromolaena odorata (L) K. R., Landophia owariensis (P. Beauv) and sap of Jatropha curcas (L) used traditionally to arrest bleeding in fresh cuts were comparatively investigated phytochemically and their ability to precipitate and coagulate blood plasma. Saponins and tannins were the most abundant compounds in these plants while flavoids were the least. Crude aqueous extracts of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins from these plants precipitated and coagulated blood plasma within time limits of 4 to 120 seconds (for precipitation) and 15 to 1500 seconds (for coagulation). Results from prothrombin timing showed that A. afriana was the most efficacious haemostatic plant followed by L. owariensis, and L. curcas the least. Some similarities in their chemical composition established a scientific basis for common usage in traditional medicine. Key words: Phytochemical, crude extracts, haemostatic plants. (Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2002 8(2): 203-208)