otanical and biological study of Oenothera speciosa nutt. cultivated in Egypt

Abstract

A phytochemical screening of Oenothera speciosa Nutt. (Onagraceae) revealed the presence of steam-distilled volatile constituents in the flowers, as well as, sterols and/or triterpenes, carbohydrates and/or glycosides, tannins, flavonoids (aglycones and glycosides) in all the organs of the plant. The macro-and micro-morphology of the root, stem and leaf of Oenothera speciosa Nutt. (Onagraceae) were presented with the aim of finding out diagnostic characters by which the plant can be easily identified from other species in both entire and powdered forms. Furthermore, certain biological activities of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the roots, stems and leaves were evaluated. Extracts of roots and leaves showed variable degrees of anti-microbial effects against the tested microorganisms. All the extracts could be considered safe as deduced from their high LD50. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-pyretic and analgesic activities were explored and significant results were observed for the different extracts.

Egyptian Journal of Biomedical Sciences Vol. 23 (1) 2007: pp. 91-120