RESEARCH ARTICLE e-ISSN: 2249-622X * Corresponding author: Dr. Ojezele Matthew, | Department of Biochemistry, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.| Email: matlar2002@yahoo.com Page20 Page20 Phytochemical Constituents and Medicinal Properties of Different Extracts of Anacardium Occidentale and Psidium Guajava Ojezele, Matthew Obaineh 1 * and Agunbiade, Shadrach Department of Biochemistry, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria ABSTRACT Background: Folklore involves the use of parts of plants without isolating particular phytochemicals. The argument is that the synergy of the combined substances enhances the efficacy and dilutes toxicity. Modern pharmacy, however, prefers single ingredients on the grounds that dosage can be more easily quantified. One of such efforts includes detailed analysis of phytochemical constituents of such plants. Although much study has been carried out on phytochemical screening, the results may differ as a result of the biochemical variations within species, geographical locations, methods or modes of extraction and solvent used. Objectives: This work, therefore, aimed at carrying out a preliminary study of the phytochemistry of the extracts Anacardium occidentale (cashew) and Psidium guajava (guava) as a scientific rationale behind the medicinal uses of the plants. Methods: Aqueous and methanol extracts of leaf, bark and root cashew and guava were assayed quantitatively for tannin, total polyphenol, oxalate, saponin and alkaloid Results: Highest concentrations of the bioactive principles were detected in ethanolic extracts of the plants except in the case of saponin where the hot water extract produced the highest bioactive principle. In Guava was foung tannin-11.5mg/g, total polyphenol-1.67mg/g, alkaloid-59.85% and oxalate- 6.66. In Cashew tannin-15.38mg/g, total polyphenolics-2.00, alkaloid-39.90 and oxalate-8.13 was detected Conclusion: The detected bioactive principle, in this study, may be responsible for the documented and folklore beneficial effects. Results from this study also justified the use of alcohol in folklore extraction. Keywords: Guava, Cashew, Phytochemistry, bioactive, medicinal, extraction 1. INTRODUCTION Plants of various origins have been exploited effectively over many generations for therapeutic purposes. The selection procedure was often haphazard to the extent that some valuable errors are caused [1]. Thus, the discard or otherwise of such plant depends on its being beneficial or hazardous. In the local traditional settings, plant parts such as the roots or leaves are used without recourse to phytochemical isolates [2]. The argument is that the synergy of the combined substances enhances the efficacy and dilutes toxicity [3]. Modern pharmacy, however, prefers single ingredients on the grounds that dosage can be more easily quantified [1]. Studies have been carried out to ascertain the claimed medicinal or therapeutic effects of plants. The current efforts towards standardization of herbal products are aimed at enhancing their uses. One of such efforts includes detailed analysis of the phytochemical constituents of such plants. These are physiologically active principles [4]. It is these secondary metabolites and pigments that can have therapeutic actions in humans and which can be refined to produce drugs. Received: 19 th Jan 2013 Received in revised form: 10 th Feb 2013 Accepted: 15 th Feb 2013 Available online: 25 th feb 2013 Online ISSN 2249–622X http://www.jbiopharm.com