Abstract

The phytochemical and anti-nutritional constituents of leaves and stem-bark of Cathormion altissimum (Hook.f.) Hutch & Dandy was evaluated. The leaves and stem-bark of Cathormion altissimum used for this study were obtained from several communities in the eight local government area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The plant was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed for some phytochemical and anti-nutrients constituents. The results of quantitative analysis showed that alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, phytate, tannins, oxalate and phenols concentrations were 8.04%, 7.7%, 6.94%, 0.432mg/kg, 0.0917%, 2.684%, 71.0 mg/g and 1002.88 mg/kg, respectively in the leaves, and 3.36%, 5.0%, 3.36%, 0.432mg/kg, 0.0917%, 1.026%, 18.10 mg/g and 62.88 mg/kg, respectively in the stem-bark. The qualitative results showed that saponins in both plant parts was very highly present, flavonoids in leaf and tannins in stem-bark were highly present, while terpenes, steroids, phenol in both plant parts and flavonoids in stem-bark and tannins in leaf were fairly present. The study showed that the leaf and stem-bark of the plant has pharmacological potentials against different diseases. While the phytate and oxalate suggests that the plant could be toxic over a prolonged period of use. As such, there is the need for research to be carried out to evaluate the concentration of the anti-nutrients that could be toxic to humans, and therapeutic properties of both plant parts.