ABSTRACT

The pharmacological study of the aqueous extract of Daniellia oliveri (Fabaceae) leaves revealed analgesic properties similar to those of Aceclofenac. The results obtained indicate that the aqueous extract of Daniellia oliveri leaves causes a decrease in the number of abdominal cramps in the writhing test and pain inhibition in the second phase of the formaldehyde test. However, it should be noted that the aqueous extract of Daniellia oliveri leaves has no inhibitory effect on pain in the tail-flick test and the first phase of the formaldehyde test. In contrast to morphine, the aqueous leaf extract of Daniellia oliveri is therefore an essentially peripheral analgesic. Qualitative phytochemical screening shows that the aqueous leaf extract of Daniellia oliveri contains polyphenols, flavonoids, saponosides, quinone substances, alkaloids, catechin, and gallic tannins, sterols, polyterpenes, and cardiotonic heterosides. The oral LD₅₀ of the aqueous extract of Daniellia oliveri leaves conducted according to OECD guideline 423 (OECD, 2001) ¹, is greater than 5000 mg/kg B.W, making this plant a substance of low toxicity, thus justifying its traditional use in painful ailments.

Keywords: Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe, Hutch et Dalz); Writhing; Tail-flick; Analgesic; Flavonoids.

ABSTRACT

The bark of Pseudocedrela kotschyi is traditionally used by people in sub-Saharan regions to treat fever. The main objective of this study is to determine the antipyretic activity, phytochemical constituents with pharmacological potential, and toxicity of the aqueous extract of Pseudocedrela kotschyi stem bark. The comparative study of the aqueous extract of Pseudocedrela kotschyi stem bark with lysine acetylsalicylate on brewer's yeast-induced hyperthermia in rats revealed the antipyretic properties of this extract. The standard methods used for the qualitative analysis of phytochemical constituents revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, catechic tannins, saponosides, polyphenols, quinones, terpenoids, oses and holosides while coumarins and gall tannins are absent. The toxicological study of the aqueous extract of stem bark of Pseudocedrela kotschyi determined an LD 50 of 240 mg/kg BW. According to the classification of Diezi (1989), this plant is moderately toxic by the intraperitoneal route. These results justify traditional use of Pseudocedrela kotschyi bark against fever.

Keywords: Pseudocedrela kotschyi-Lysine acetylsalicylate-Antipyretic.