Phytochemical studies of Acmella caulirhiza and Spermacoce princeae used by postpartum mothers in Nyamira County, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: Traditional medicine have been used in health maintenance, disease prevention and treatment for example Acmella caulirhiza used to treat a child’s mouth sores and Spermacoce princeae used to accelerate healing of umbilical cord and to clean the system after birth. Objective: The main objective of the present study was to determine phytochemical compounds of A. caulirhiza and S. princeae used by postpartum mothers in Nyamira County, Kenya. Methodology: The study area was Nyamira County where the two plant specimens were collected. Plant materials were identified at East Africa Herbarium. Plant specimens were transported to M.K.U. Pharmacognosy laboratory where processing was done. Phytochemical analysis methods were employed to determine phytochemicals compounds in the crude plant extracts. Data was stored in Excel spread sheet in a personal computer protected with a password. Data was presented using tables and photographs. Results: Phytochemical examinations revealed that Acmella caulirhiza contains flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins and sterols compounds. On the other hand, Spermacoce princeae contains flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponin alkaloid and glycoside compounds. Conclusion and recommendation: The plants may be used in treating puerperal sepsis although commercially available drugs are recommended as they are highly effective. The two plants can be a potent source of complementary and modern medicine. Further research is recommended to isolate and identify pure compounds of the two plants