Anatomie et physiologie : recherches en cours
Libre accès
ISSN: 2161-0940
ISSN: 2161-0940
Nnama TN, Asomugha AL, Asomugha RN, Umeasalugo KE and Mgbemena IO
Objective: Erythrina senegalensis is used to cure wide range of illnesses such as malaria, gastrointestinal disorders, fever, dizziness, asthma. Given its widespread usage, the study sought to investigate the phytochemical analysis and acute oral toxicity (LD50) of E. senegalensis.
Materials and methods: Fresh mature leaf samples of E. senegalensis were collected and phytochemical analysis was carried out appropriately. The acute toxicity study of the leaf extract was determined using modified Lorke’s method. Thirteen adult Wistar rats of both sexes were acclimatized, nine of which were used for the first phase of treatment, and the other four were used for the second phase of acute toxicity testing, while being closely monitored for mortality.
Results: Alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids, were found in moderate quantities; tannins and terpenoids were found in trace amounts, while cardiac glycosides and steroids were not found. The acute oral toxicity of E. senegalensis was greater than 5000 mg/kg of the experimental rats (LD50>5000 mg/kg). Conclusion: E. senegalensis possesses many useful phytoconstituents that contribute to the potency of leaf extract and which made it useful in treatment of many diseases, and that E. senegalensis ethanolic leaf extract has low toxicity in rats, especially when administered orally.