Phytochemical and Anti-ulcer Properties of Allophylus africanus P Beauv. (Sapindaceae) Leaf
Chikeokwu Ikenna
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Mba Theodora C.
*
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Uche Estella Odoh
Department of Pharmacognosy and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
Christopher Ugwuoke
Department of Pharmacognosy and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Ulcer has remained a persistent discomforting illness commonly causes by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori and prolonged or excessive use of anti-inflammatory pain killers like aspirin. While existing cases are difficult to treat and ,treat new cases are being diagnosed. Current treatments do not seem to be giving much hope to patients. Natural product and plant-based preparation are offering some measure of hope. Allophylus africanus has been reported to be effective in traditional medicine as an anti-ulcer agent.
Objectives of the Study: This research aims to evaluate the antiulcer properties of the crude methanol extract of the leaf of the plant.
Methodology: The plant material was extracted using the cold maceration.
Methods: The acute toxicity was investigated according to Lorke’s method, while antiulcer activity was evaluated using stress and ethanol models, Omeprazole (200 mg/ml) was the reference drug. Phytochemical analysis of the crude extract was carried out using standard methods.
Results: The crude extract is non-toxic at a below 5000 mg/kg dose. Preliminary phytochemical tests showed the presence of alkaloids. Saponins, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins, terpenoids etc. There was no significant between the activity of the standard drug (omeprazole 20mg/kg) and the crude extract (500 mg/kg) at (P ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion: A. africanus has ulcer prevention activity and its use in the treatment of ulcer in ethnomedicine is justified.
Keywords: Pharmacognostic evaluation, anti-ulcer, Allophylus africanus