Phytochemical Analysis and Acute Toxicological Study of Erythrina senegalensis Ethanolic Leaf Extract in Albino Wistar Rats

Nnama Tn,Asomugha Rn,Mgbemena Io,Umeasalugo Ke,Asomugha Al

doi:10.4172/2161-0940.1000248

Abstract

Objective: Erythrina senegalensis is used to cure wide range of illnesses such as malaria, gastrointestinal disorders, fever, dizziness, asthma. Given its widespread usage, the study sought to investigate the phytochemical analysis and acute oral toxicity (LD50) of E. senegalensis. Materials and methods: Fresh mature leaf samples of E. senegalensis were collected and phytochemical analysis was carried out appropriately. The acute toxicity study of the leaf extract was determined using modified Lorke’s method. Thirteen adult Wistar rats of both sexes were acclimatized, nine of which were used for the first phase of treatment, and the other four were used for the second phase of acute toxicity testing, while being closely monitored for mortality. Results: Alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids, were found in moderate quantities; tannins and terpenoids were found in trace amounts, while cardiac glycosides and steroids were not found. The acute oral toxicity of E. senegalensis was greater than 5000 mg/kg of the experimental rats (LD50>5000 mg/kg). Conclusion: E. senegalensis possesses many useful phytoconstituents that contribute to the potency of leaf extract and which made it useful in treatment of many diseases, and that E. senegalensis ethanolic leaf extract has low toxicity in rats, especially when administered orally.

Highlights

Plants usually synthesize aromatic substances, which in many cases serve as the molecules of plant defense against predation by microorganisms, insects, and herbivores
E. senegalensis possesses many useful phytoconstituents that contribute to the potency of leaf extract and which made it useful in treatment of many diseases, and that E. senegalensis ethanolic leaf extract has low toxicity in rats, especially when administered orally
The study revealed that following oral administration of 5000 mg/kg of the E. senegalensis ethanolic leaf extract, there was no acute toxicity or instant death in any of the rats treated with acute dose during the observation period

Summary

Introduction

Plants usually synthesize aromatic substances, which in many cases serve as the molecules of plant defense against predation by microorganisms, insects, and herbivores. Several of the plants possess medicinal properties. Erythrina senegalensis is one of such plants and belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is a thorny shrub used as vegetable, with common names that include ‘Minjirya’ (Hausa, Nigeria) [1]. Some phytochemicals such as tannins, glycosides, alkaloids, and others have been identified in the E. senegalensis stem bark [2]. The leaf has been shown to contain some phytochemicals [3]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion