Quantitative Screening of Some Phytochemical Constituents in Southwestern Nigeria Honey

Abstract

his study investigates the phytochemical composition of honey from three southwestern states of Nigeria (Oyo, Osun, and Ogun) focusing on its antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and anticancer properties. Honey is a natural sweetener with growing importance due to its nutritional and therapeutic potential. Phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids, are responsible for many of honey's health benefits, particularly its antioxidant properties. Samples were collected from nine Local Government Areas (LGA)
across different Agroecological Zones (AZ) and analyzed for phytochemical content, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and saponins. The results revealed significant variations in the concentrations of these compounds across the regions, with honey from Ibadan (Oyo state) showing the highest phenol content, while Ilaro (Ogun state) honey had the highest tannin content. Alkaloid content was highest in Iwo (Osun state), and flavonoids were most concentrated in Osogbo (Osun state). The study confirms that honey's phytochemical composition contributes to its medicinal properties, particularly its ability to act as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, supporting its use in traditional medicine for treating various ailments.