The Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Investigation of <i>Crinum</i> Species in Ethiopia

Medicinal plants have a long history of use in most communities all over the world. Plants have the ability to synthesize a wide diversity of chemical compounds that uses to perform important biological functions. Many of Genus Crinum has been broadly used in traditional and ethno-medicines in the world wide. The aims of this study were to investigate the qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals constituents of the four species of the genus Crinum that exists in Ethiopia. All experiments were follow standard procedures. For the purpose of conducting phytochemical analyses on the four species each, three to six bulbs were collected from Field Gene Banks, Botanical Gardens and local fields. The bulb samples were cleaned, dried and crushed into powder. In this study the cold extraction methods were used the extraction solvents such as: n-hexane, ethanol, methanol and water. As a result of the phytochemical analyses, it revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and phenols in Crinum abyssinicum and Crinum bambusetum species. Likewise, it confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and tannins in Crinum macowanii. Moreover, it confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and tannins Crinum ornatum. The chemical constituents revealed the presence of relatively high concentration of alkaloids (9.66%), saponins (19.72%), phenols (10.33%), and tannins (0.61%) in the bulbs of Crinum bambusetum. Similarly, the highest concentration of flavonoids (27.72%) was recorded from the bulbs of Crinum ornatum. As more phytochemicals constituents are being identified and tested, traditional uses of the Crinum are being verified. Accordingly, the evidence on the chemical constituents of the species explains the uses of the plants. Therefore, it is worthwhile to recommend the use of the phytochemical constituents of the species studied for Pharmaceutical use in the treatment of different diseases.