Comparative Chemical Constituents of some Cassia Species and their Pharmacognistic Importance in South Eastern Nigeria

An assessment and investigation into three species of Cassia namely Cassia alata Linn., Cassia occidentalis Linn. and Cassia sieberiana DC. belonging to the family of Fabaceae (subfamily Caesalpinoideae) was carried out with the aim of identifying and quantifying the bioactive components of these ornamental shrubs. The alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, steroid, phenol and tannin contents of the vegetative and reproductive parts of these plants viz. the leaves, stems, roots and pods were screened and compared. All the plant parts investigated contained appreciable amount of alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins ranging from (1.24 ± 0.06% - 4.06 ± 0.51%), (1.18 ± 0.0% - 2.68 ± 0%) and (2.20 ± 0.03% - 4.28 ± 0%) respectively. Tannin contents on the plant parts were equally high (1.12 ± 0.01% - 1.54 ± 0.01%), while the phenol contents ranged from (0.13 ± 0% - 0.36 ± 0%) respectively. These analytical results suggest the plants have a significant role in phyto-medicine. The importance of these plants was discussed in line with the role they play in ethno-medicinal life of the people.