ABSTRACT

Alkaloid, tannin, Jiavonoid, cardiac glycoside, saponin, steroid and terpeiioid distributed in three species of MacsoboIiya were assessed and compared. The 3 Spices belonging to the lainily LujIiorbiaceae were lvi. s/audi/i, A/i. sparsUlora and M. floribunda. All these species were found to contain these bioactive substances mentioned above. The morphology of these plant species were discussed in line with the distribution of these bioactive substances and their uses in ethnomedicne. The studies were carried out on the leaf, stem, root and flowers of these species. Anatomical and histocheinical significant features of leaf, stem and root were observed and discussed. Palynology of these species were also investigated. Results from the epidernial features showed different shapes which varied form polygonal to sinous. Trichomes were absent. Calcium oxalate were found in the stem of lvi. spars flora and lamina of  florthunda. The crude percentage of all these phytochemical constituents were also determined. They range from (0.17% -3.36%) tiavoimoid, (0.95% - 8.08%) alkaloid, (3.18% -7.65%) saponin, (0.09%-0.232%) tannin, 92.13% - 3.93%) phenol and (5.33-14kg) hydrogen cyanide in all the species studied. Results obtained showed that the two plants were closely related and despite sonic few characters of diagnostic importance. These were explained and discussed with the aid of available literature.