Phytochemical characteristics of the root bark of Erythrina senegalensis

Abstract

Phytochemical analyses were carried out on crude aqueous and ethanol extracts of the root bark of Erythrina senegalensis (RES) to validate its efficacy as a local herb for the treatment of filarial eye lesions. Thin layer chromatograph (TLC), using the solvent system chloroform and methanol (2:1) was done on aqueous and ethanol extracts of the root bark, with 3 mg Ivermectin, a commercial anti-filarial, anthelminthic and ecto-parasitic drug presented as Mectizan ® serving as standard. The analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, proteins, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and carbohydrates in the root back extract. The relative fraction (Rf) value of Mectizan ® in ethanol extract was 0.942, while that of RES sample was 0.941. The Rf value of Mectizan ® in aqueous extract on the other hand was 0.954, while that of RES sample was 0.952. These results indicate that the root bark of Erythrina senegalensis may possess some anti-filarial as well as anthelminthic and ecto-parasitic activities.

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Vol. 2(1) 2006: 12-15