Abstract
Tecoma stans (yellow bell) is a popular ornamental plant mostly found in the tropical regions. It is reported to have significant pharmacological activity and has gained attention by natives of various cultures. This study focused on the phytoconstituents screening, antioxidant activity, and heavy metal analysis as well as the acute and subchronic toxicity of the hydroethanolic leaf extract (TSE) using standard methods. The presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, coumarins, and terpenoids in the raw leaf of the plant was observed while the hydroethanolic extract contained coumarins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, and flavonoids. The DPPH percentage scavenging activity of the crude extract was 64.32% while the fractions, ethyl acetate (55.26%), methanol (60.72%), and hydro (36.97%.), gave varying activities. The UV-Vis and FT-IR indicated the presence of alcohols, phenols, alkanes, alkenes, carbonyls (general), aliphatic amines, aromatics, ketones, ethers, esters, carboxylic acids, alkyl halides, saturated aliphatic acids, 1° and 2° amines, amides, and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes. The heavy metal analysis showed a high level of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in the raw leaf. The median acute toxicity (LD50) of the extract was determined to be <5000mg/kg body weight in mice. Subchronic use for 28 days resulted in significant weight gain, reduction in platelet levels, decrease in WBCs, and increase in blood glucose compared to the normal. TSE caused no adverse effects on vital organs. No mortality was recorded. The hydroethanolic extract of T. stans could therefore be considered safe in moderate doses.
Highlights
Plants have been used for the treatment of several diseases for so many years before the introduction of orthodox drugs which have their bioactive constituents synthesized from plants with modifications
The presence of glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and coumarins in the raw leaves and extract can have synergistic effect influencing the efficacy of the extract to produce a desired or intended pharmacological effect reported [21]
DPPH percentage scavenging activity is the percentage for a compound to mop out free radicals released in a body
Summary
Plants have been used for the treatment of several diseases for so many years before the introduction of orthodox drugs which have their bioactive constituents synthesized from plants with modifications. There has been an increasing utilisation of medicinal plant because of the conviction that these plants are characteristically innocuous Be that as it may, numerous adverse responses to medicinal plants have been reported, and with the worldwide ascent in their use, the safety and efficacy of medicinal plants have become a general concern. As indicated by WHO, out of the numerous plants utilised for their medicinal purposes all over the world, just a few have been examined scientifically [4]. This calls for thorough assessment of medicinal plants to guarantee their quality, efficacy, and safety preceding their acceptance and use [5]
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