Edith Diovu

The purpose of the study was to investigate the pharmacognostic profile and antimicrobial activity of Crescentia cujete stem bark calabash tree commonly known as obele ukpachi in igbo.It belong to the family of Bignonaceae.The macroscopic analysis revealed brown spot nodule,hard trunk which is brittle when dry.microscopic analysis revealed presence of cork cells with embedded calcium oxalate,bundle of fibres with narrow pitted lumen. Ethno medicinal research shows that the plant is used variously in the regulation of high blood pressure,respiratory distress,stimulation of insulin production and reduction in bacteria strain.Crescentia cujete bears fruit whose pulp is poisonous and cannot be eaten my man while other morphological parts can be used as supplement which are highly implicated in pregnancy due to its induction of labour. In the course of this research, it was observed that the mineral content resides more on the stem bark showing that this plant is contraindicated in hypertensive patients while it can be used in the treatment of hypo tension with caution to prevent smooth muscle burst. Also the stem bark of this plant is free from cyanide content thus non poisonous. The phytochemical analysis shows the presence of alkaloids,tannins ,carbohydrates,saponins and flavonoids which are invariably responsible for the biological activities of the plant.