PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY STUDIES OF THE LEAVES OF ALLOPHYLUS AFRICANUS BEAUV (SAPINDACEAE)

PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY STUDIES OF THE LEAVES OF ALLOPHYLUS AFRICANUS BEAUV (SAPINDACEAE)

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated some pharmacognostic standards and anti-inflammatory activity of the leaves of Allophylus africanus Beauv (Sapindaceae). The plant has a wide distribution in West Africa, with Nigeria (Mambila Plateau, Calabar) inclusive. It has been used in communities for both its medicinal and economic importance. Traditionally, the boiled bark, root and leaves are used in aches, fever and rheumatic pains and economically, the wood is a good source of building materials, and as insect plants. The aim of the study was to determine some pharmacognostic parameters of A. africanus leaves and profer scientific basis for its use in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Methods used included macroscopic, microscopic, chemo microscopic, physical constant, water and alcohol extractive values determination and carrageenan induced paw edema study in Wister rats. Results of the study revealed the presence of anomocytic stomata, polygonal epidermal cells with straight anticlinal walls on the abaxial surface and irregular shaped epidermal cells with wavy anticlinal walls on the adaxial surface. The physical constants evaluated were moisture contents (7.8%), total ash value (7.0%), water soluble ash (1.0%), acid insoluble ash (1.5%), water extractive (16.6%) and ethanol extractive value (9.4%) respectively. Phytochemical screening on the methanolic leaf extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, steroids and triterpenes, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids. Acute toxicity study showed the plant to have an LD50 of 3,807 mg/kg body weight ( p.o) in rats. The methanolic leaves extract at doses 250 and 1000 mg/kg was found to produce significant anti-inflammatory effect at the 3rd, 4th and 5th hour with the effect being dose dependent at the 4th and 5th hour. Thin layer chromatographic analysis of the fractions of the leaves extract showed the presence of some chemical constituents in the leaves extract specifically flavonoids, steroids and triterpenes. The results provide some vii pharmacognostic standards for the plant and scientific basis for the traditional use of the leaves in the treatment of inflammation and inflammatory disorders.

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