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Abstract

Laggera pterodonta is a reputable ethnomedicinal plant in Nigeria for the treatment of pediatric malaria and inflammations. The leaves, stem and root of Laggera Pterodonta (DC) Sch. Bip (compositae) were investigated for their phytochemical and thin layer chromatographic profiles. Twelve secondary metabolites namely carbohydrates, terpenes, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, phlobatannins, sterols, alkaloids, volatile oil, balsams, reins and chlorogenic acid were detected in all the plant parts. Carbohydrate and resin were present in the leaves. Saponins were present in the stem and root. Quantitative pharmacognostic analysis of the leaves revealed moisture content of 9.57%, total ash of 19.45%, acid-insoluble ash of 2.35%, alcohol extractive value of 16.12%, and water extractive value of 27.75%. Comparative thin layer chromatography of the successive cold maceration and soxhlet extraction using solvents of increasing polarities: hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol of the leaves, stem and root showed that soxhlet extraction yielded more components. This is the first report of the presence of alkaloids in this plant.

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