Studies on the distribution of tannins and calcium oxalate crystals in the lamina of three species of Phyllanthus L. including P. amarus (Schum and Thonn.), P. niruroides Mull-Arg. and P. urinaria L. occurring in Nigeria were carried out and reported for the first time. This is with a view to determine the value of these compounds in traditional medicine. Localization of these compounds in the leaves of these plants differed. The probable reasons for these variations in distribution and the biological significance of these compounds were discussed citing the current available literature. The discussion was also done in relation to the ethnomedicinal uses of these Phyllanthus species in Nigeria; thus revealing the need for reappraisal of germplasm exploitation and conservation of these important plant resources in Nigeria.
Edeoga, H.O. , G. Omosun and D.A. Awomukwu . Tannins and Calcium Oxalate Crystals in Lamina of Some Phyllanthus Species.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/ijmmas.2006.326.329
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1813-176x/ijmmas.2006.326.329