Phytochemical, toxicological and histo-pathological studies of some medicinal plants in Nigeria

Abstract

Phytochemical, toxicological and histo-pathological studies were carried out on the leaves and stem bark extracts of Grewia mollis, Boswellia dalziellii, Jatropha curcas and Pterocarpus erinaceus claimed to be of medicinal values in Nigeria. The soxhlet apparatus was used for extraction of the crude materials. The result revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, balsam, phenols, terpenes, steroids and the absence of alkaloids in Grewia mollis (bark), Boswellia dalziellii (leaf) and Pterocarpus erinaceus (bark) as well as cyanogenic glycosides in all the plant materials. Toxicological result showed that the plant is safe for human consumption but with caution having produce LD50 at 1500 mg/kg body weight. The extracts showed no structural effects on the liver and heart. In the kidney however, the convoluted tubules were filled with fluids, which suggested that the extract should be used with caution on patients with renal failure. The plants therefore possess some important biological activities that could be harnessed and employed beneficially in the management of viral and bacterial infections.

Keywords: Phytochemistry; toxicology; histo-pathology; rat; medicinal plants; Nigeria

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Vol. 2 (3) 2006: pp. 225-229