Anatomical And Phytochemical Characters Of Artemisia Annua From Southeastern Nigeria.:- Mbaebie, Blessing O

ABSTRACT

Two accessions of the antimalarial plant Artemisia annua A.annua among the taxa Artemisia. Distinct features such epidermal cells with characteristics paracentric stomatai arrangements were observed with the aid of the light microscope. Evidence from the nature of the cortical parenchyma, sclerenchyma of the stem and root were highlighted and elucidated. Calcium oxalates observed in the cortical cells and trichomes were all multicellular which consist of important distinguishing features. The occurrence of tannins (0.21-0.30%), alkaloids (0.35 -1.82%), flavonoids (0.15 - 0.45%), phenols (0.02-0.46%), oxalates (0.01 -1. 36 %), and hydrogen cyanide (0.15 -13.50%) present in the plant were not strange but interesting evidences to justify the activity ofA.annua for the prevention and treatment of many health conditions including microbial infections, colds, diarrhea and a very source of aroma chemicals for fragrance industry. x and Enugu in the Southeastern region ofNigeria and analyzed for anatomical, proximate and phytochemical features. Analysis ofthe anatomical characters revealed the immense value of its root, stem and foliar epidermal features to the taxonomy and delimitation of were collected from Calabar were critically studied in the light of their as polygonal and irregular follows crude protein (0.05 -10.15%), fat (0.16 -3.32 %), ash (13.65- 16.25%), carbohydrates (36.04 -55.83 %), moisture (5.90 - 26.25 %) and food energy value (225.86 - 394.84%).The antinutrient factors very low iodine value (9.53) but a high saponification value (161.0), acid value (13.73), dark brown in colour and has strong aromat