Phytochemical screening, acute toxicity and anti-ulcer activity of the stem bark of Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr. (Combretaceae)

Abstract

Peptic ulcer disease constitutes a major health challenge resulting in morbidity and in some cases, mortality. This study evaluated the phytochemistry, acute toxicity, and anti-ulcer activity of the methanol extracts of the stem bark of Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr. Flavonoids, tannins and saponins are some phytochemicals found in the extracts. From the results, the LD₅₀ of the aqueous and methanol extract was >5000 mg/kg and 3807 mg/kg. The mean ulcer indices for the aqueous extract was 0.38 ± 0.07, 0.38 ± 0.10 and 0.36 ± 0.07 respectively for the 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), while those of the methanol extract were 0.32 ± 0.09, 0.10 ± 0.03 and 0.12 ± 0.10 respectively for 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg). These values were not significant at P>0.05 when compared with control. However, the percentage ulcer inhibition for methanol extract in group treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg, were both significantly (p<0.05) higher compared with 58.8% from omeprazole (20 mg/kg) treated group. These findings showed that the methanol extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. significantly (p<0.05) increased the anti-ulcer activity, suggesting that A. leiocarpus possesses anti-ulcer property which could be useful in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease.