Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis of the Stem Bark of Frankincense Plant (Boswellia dalzielii)
Moses Andy Na., Ishaku Silasa & Bolarin Joshua Ab.
aDepartment of Chemistry, College of Education Zing, Taraba State, Nigeria
bDepartment of Chemical Sciences, Salem University Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
Email: labicity1@gmail.com
Corresponding Author: Ishaku Silas
ABSTRACT
The study was carried out to investigate the secondary metabolites of Frankincense (Boswelia dalzielii) plant by carrying out a phytochemical screening of the ethanolic, chloroform, and aqueous extracts of the stem bark using approved standard methods for phytochemical screening. The phytochemical screening of the stem bark of the plant indicated the presence of tannins, flavonoids, steroids, and saponins in the extracts. Alkaloids were only found in the chloroform and ethanolic extracts. Glycosides were present in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts. Volatile oil was not detected in all the sample extracts. This study has scientifically
justified the traditional use of Boswelia dalzielii stem bark extracts in treatment of various ailments and diseases such as ulcer, malaria, epilepsy, typhoid etc. Traditionally, a decoction of the bark is drunk as a protection against dysentery, hemorrhage, and angina. The dried and crushed bark is used in combination with other herbs to treat malaria, yellow fever, stomach ailments, and many childhood diseases (Mandal etal. 2005). It is therefore, important that the extensive phytochemicals investigation should be carried out to help in establishing the chemical profile of the frankincense (Boswellia dalzielii). It is also important that further work be conducted to investigate the cytotoxic effects of the plant in order to reveal how safe it is for medicinal use.
Key words: Phytochemicals, Metabolites, Frankincence, Flavonoids, Alkaloids.
