Abstract

Cassia alata Linn, Nauclea latifolia, Clerodendron splendens and Bryophyllum pinnatum are some of the Nigerian exotic medicinal plants. These plants not only acts as ornamental but also exhibit antiviral, antifungal, antimalarial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. They are sources of drugs and are used in herbal medicine to treat measles, malaria, asthma, eczema, cough, hepatitis, ringworm, ulcer and scabies. These plants are continuously screened and evaluated for their pharmacological properties. Bioactive compounds comprising flavanoids, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids and saponins have been isolated and characterized from the plants and are responsible for their biological activity. The importance of these bioactive compounds available in these plants are discussed with respect to their role in herbal medicine in Nigeria.

Key words: Medicinal plants, antiviral, antifungal, antimalarial, antibacterial, antioxidants, immunomodulators.

Abbreviation

OCS, Oxidative chemical species; HBV, hepatitis B virus; HCV, hepatitis C virus; HIV, human immunodeficiency virus.