Phytochemical Screening of Tacca Leontopetaloides (L.) Kuntze Collected from Four Geographical Locations in Nigeria

This study focused on the screening of leaves and tubers of Tacca leontopetaloides (L.) Kuntze collected from different locations for the presence of secondary metabolites and to determine the extent of the environment on these constituents. The study showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins and tannins in the leaf of T. leontopetaloides while only alkaloids were present in the tubers. Variations in the presence of alkaloids and cardiac glycosides in the leaf and tuber samples of the plant were observed. It was noted that environmental factors have a slight effect on the phytochemical content of the same plant in different locations. The pharmacological significance of the secondary metabolites was discussed.