The fruit extract has been shown to be used as antimicrobial agent against gram positive and gram negative bacteria (Tatsadjieu et al., 2004). X. aethiopica has anti-spirochoectal properties so that it works both as a preventive measure and in treatment of primary, secondary and tertiary stages of syphilis. X. aethiopica has been used for treating rheumatism as well as other inflammatory conditions (Tatsadjieu et al., 2004).

Phytochemicals as antioxidants play vital roles in human health (Ivan, 2003; Ayoola et al., 2008; Yusuf et al., 2014). X. aethiopica has been found to contain some phytochemicals which exhibit a wide range of biological effects as a consequence of their antioxidant properties (Fleischer, 2003; Keita et al., 2003). The chemical components of X. aethiopica have been helpful in the avoidance and treatment of cancerous tumors.

An alkaloid is a type of plant derived organic compound.  Alkaloids are generally composed of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen.  Some alkaloids are considered toxic but others are often used medicinally (Ivan, 2003; Yusuf et al., 2014).  Many alkaloids can be used for medical purposes (Fleischer, 2003; Keita et al., 2003).  Atropine for instance is used to stimulate the central nervous system and to dilate the pupils of the eyes (Keita et al., 2003). Anonecaine, an alkaloids constituent of X. aethiopica, is known to have anti-pyretic effect. They are powerful antibiotics and valuable medicine against malaria as well as their application in local anesthesia as pain relief (Kinghom and Baladrin, 1993; Bruneton, 1999; Harbone, 1998)

Flavonoids represent the most common and widely distributed of plant phenolics found in X. aethiopica. Flavonoids prevent oxidative cell damage, have strong anti-cancer activity and protects against all stages of carcinogenesis (Keita et al., 2003; Yusuf et al., 2014; Aguoru et al., 2014). As antioxidants, flavonoids from X. aethiopica provide anti-inflammatory action. Flavonoids are important antioxidants and promote several health effects.  Aside from antioxidant activity, these molecules provides the following beneficial effects; antiviral, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic (Fleischer, 2003). Saponins  another   phytochemical   constituent   of   X.aethiopica have wide range of biological properties, they are used to recover homeostasis, have anti- inflammatory and anti- cancer actions. Saponins cause a reduction of blood cholesterol by preventing its re-absorption. They have antitumor and antimutagenic activities and can lower the risk of human cancers by preventing cancer cells from growing apart from their biocidal effects against pathogens (Morisaki et al., 1995; Fleischer, 2003; Evans, 2003; Yusuf et al., 2014; Aguoru et al., 2014).

The roles of active principles, of plant origin, in drug synthesis cannot be over emphasized. Therefore, this work aimed at investigating the types and composition of phytochemicals of medicinal importance contained in the petiole, leaf, seed, stem bark and root of X. aethiopica in North Central Nigeria, tropical West Africa. 

Plant parts (petiole, leaf, seed, stem bark, and roots) were collected from Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, North Central Nigeria. The extraction method of Harborne (1973) was employed. Extracts were qualitatively screened for phytochemicals of medicinal importance following standard protocols (Sofowara, 1986; Aguoru et al., 2014). This was followed by quantitative analysis of bioactive ingredient common to all parts of the plant using double extraction gravimetric method. Data were statistically analysed using SPSS software for paired correlation and test of significance of the phytochemicals at 95% confidence limit.

The high amount of flavonoid in the stem bark, petiole and seed supports the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antitumor activities of X. aethiopica reported by Fleischer (2003). The high amount of saponnin, alkaloid observed in this study therefore accounts for their bitter taste and confirms their numerous therapeutic functions (Harbone, 1973). 

Reports on the medicinal uses of X. aethiopica by many authors across the globe (Karawya et al., 1979; Fleischer, 2003; Keita et al., 2003; Asekun and Adeniyi, 2004) are fully supported by this work. This is because the plant contains significant amounts of major active principles of therapeutic benefits. The correlations among the quantified phytochemicals therefore suggest the multifaceted uses of this plant in curing many types of diseases and ailments.

In conclusion, it has also revealed all parts of the plant such as petiole, leaf, seed, stem bark and root are of medicinal importance. Therefore, the tree could be used as a source of making cheap drugs of diverse curative values. It is suggested that further work should be carried out to isolate and purify the active constituents reported. The activity of the various active principles should also be tested on microorganisms and laboratory animals. 

The authors have not declared any conflict of interests.