ABSTRACT
Background/Objective: Establishment of pharmacopoeial standards for the leaf of I. trichantha is of great importance in ensuring the quality and safety of herbal products derived from the plant. Hence, this study was designed to establish some quality control parameters for the leaf of I. trichantha. Method: In this study, the important quality control parameters/pharmacopoeial standards were evaluated using standard methods of analysis after plant authentication was done by a taxonomist. Results: Macroscopical examination revealed a simple, petiolated leaf with acuminate apex, entire margin and reticulate vennation. Chemomicroscopy showed the presence of lignin, phenolics, mucilage, fatty oils, cellulose and starch. Phytochemistry confirmed the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, tannins, flavonoids and anthracene derivatives. Proximate analysis showed moisture content was 11.39%, total ash content (9.19%), crude fat (13.48%), crude fiber (28.23%), crude protein (14.18%) and carbohydrate content (33.91%). The vitamin C content of the leaf was found to be 24.23 mg/100g. Essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese and copper were contained in the powdered leaf; while foaming index of the leaf was < 100. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed the presence of nine (9) valuable constituents in the extract of the leaf; with Icaceine and stigmasterol being the most abundant of the constituents, respectively. Conclusion: The data generated in this study if added to the limited data available in literature could be used in developing a herbal monograph for the plant.
