The preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening and ethnoecological survey of some species of African mistletoe was assessed using standard methods. Results revealed the presence of flavonoids both in African mistletoes and host trees except in P. biglobosa where it is absent in the hemiparasite. Glycoside was present in all the African mistletoes except in P. biglobosa and Z. mauritiana and absent in all host trees except C. pentandra and Z. mauritiana. Tannins were present in all the African mistletoes and their host trees except in A. albida and G. arborea. Steroids and Saponins were present in all the African mistletoes and their respective host trees. Phenols were present in all the African mistletoes except in P. biglobosa, it is also present in all the host trees except in A. indica, A. nilotica and A. albida. Alkaloids were absent in all the host trees but present in all the African mistletoes. Perception of the community on the medicinal uses of African mistletoe, all the respondents strongly agreed that it can be used for both male and female related illness 107 (100%). Majority of the respondents strongly agreed that it can be used for chronic illness 96 (89.7%). Respondents also strongly agreed that it can be used for general health 93 (86.9%). Some others also agreed that it can be used for skin problem 64 (59.8%). 48 (44.8%) strongly agreed that it is used for acute illness. A significantly higher number of respondents strongly agreed that it can kill the host 101 (94.4%). Majority of the respondents strongly agreed that its leaves can replace the leaf of the host 98 (91.6%). Respondents strongly agreed that it attack only trees 87 (81.3%) while 84 (78.3%) strongly agreed that it can attack both trees and shrubs. 81 (75.7%) strongly agreed that it has more than one species while others also strongly agreed that a single host may carry more than one species 76 (71.0%). However, 83 (77.6%) strongly agreed that it can attack both shrubs and herbs. Similarities in chemical compositions were found between the African mistletoes and their host trees. Preliminary phytochemicals showed that steroids and saponins indicated positive for both the host tree and the African mistletoe. It was deduced that individuals in the study area believed African mistletoe have more than one species and s tree may carry more than species.
Key words: Phytochemical, Ethnoecological, Survey, African mistletoe, Kebbi State.
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