Phytochemical, elemental and functional group analyses of herbal material and extracts of Cassia sieberiana used in herbal drug formulation

Cassia sieberiana is used traditionally for the treatment of several ailments. The lack of knowledge in the levels of essential mineral contents and heavy metal constituents of C. sieberiana normally collected from various sites for preparation of herbal products can pose serious health risks to consumers. The elemental contents (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl, Hg, Pb, As, Ni, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, N, S and C) of a mixture of the stem and root barks (CSR) of Cassia sieberiana collected from Agomeda in the Eastern Region of Ghana and its extracts (absolute ethanol (CSE 1), 70% ethanol (CSE 2))  were investigated in this study. For the purposes of identification and characterization of CSR, CSE 1 and CSE 2, FT-IR and phytochemical analyses were conducted. The quantity of metals in all test samples were within the acceptable WHO permissible limits except for Cl, Fe, Mn, Pb and Cd contents in CSR. It is mostly the extract of CSR which is consumed traditionally. The quantity of powdered CRS consumed during treatment of ailment may be too low to cause Cl, Fe, Mn, Pb and Cd toxicity. FTIR studies showed similar functional groups in CSR, CSE 1 and CSE 2. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of reducing sugar, saponins, polyphenols, anthracenosides and triterpenes in CSR, CSE 1 and CSE 2.  The elements found in Cassia sieberiana and extracts are vital for human health. Their reported contents indicate CSE 1 and CSE 2 may be suitable for use in drug formulation. Keywords: Cassia sieberiana, herbal medicine, macronutrients, trace elements, heavy metals, functional groups, WHO/FAO.