Physicochemical and Phytochemical Evaluation of leaves of Cassia singueana Del.

Abstract

Cassia singueana leaves possess great therapeutic values in the traditional
system of medicine and some of these have been scientifically established
thereby making it commercially viable. This research investigated the
physicochemical and phytochemical characters of the powdered leaves of
Cassia singueana used as a crude drug. The physicochemical parameters
along with organoleptic evaluation and Phytochemical screening of aqueous,
methanol and petroleum ether extracts of Cassia singueana were carried out.
The moisture contents, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water and alcohol soluble
extractive values were found to be 4.35 ± 0.21, 7.28 ± 0.06, 0.86 ± 0.03, 22.41 ±
0.45 and 36.52 ± 0.81 % (w/w) respectively. The leaf powder had a distinct
characteristic odour and a slightly bitter taste with an astringent and nauseous
sensation to the tongue. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of
alkaloids, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, proteins, saponins
and tannins. The results of this study show that the crude drug is in good
preservative condition with negligible extraneous materials and the biological
activity of C. singueana leaves is as a result of the individual and/or synergetic
activities of its various phytochemical constituents