Phytochemical Analysis of Diospyros Mespiliformis (African Ebony) Leaves and Bark

Abstract

As an antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory agent, Diospyros mespiliformis, a member of the Ebeneceae family, is utilized in traditional medicine. This study attempts to search for phytochemicals in Diospyros mespiliformis's leaves and bark. Methanol was used to extract the crushed sample. Alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, phenolic compounds, coumarin, and carbohydrates were detected in the extracts of both the leaves and the the bark during an initial phytochemical screening; however, anthraquinone and terpenoids were not detected in the plant's leaves and bark respectively. The elemental analysis was also conducted on the plant where some trace elements were determined.