Medicinal & Aromatic Plants
Open Access

Abstract

Anti-oxidant, Histopathology and LD50 Evaluation of Ethanol Stem Bark Extract of Enantia chlorantha in Rodents

Augustine Ini Lawrence Bassey and Ette Okon Ettebong

Enantia chlorantha is a well-known medicinal plant that is used all over Nigeria. The Ibibios of South-South Nigeria use the stem bark of this plant for the treatment of malaria, stomach upset, toothache and convulsions. Other pharmacological investigations such as anti-inflammatory analgesic, antipyretic and anti-ulcer were also carried out. The extract was evaluated at doses of 32.40 mg/kg, 64.80 mg/kg and 96.20 mg/kg. The LD50 value of 324 mg/kg showed that the extract has moderate toxicity. Saponins, tannins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, terpenes and alkaloids were present on phytochemical screening. The free radical scavenging ability of the extract against 1,1-Diphenyl-2 Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was assessed. Results of this study corroborate the use of the extract in febrile illnesses other inflammatory conditions. Subchronic histopathogical results of vital organs showed that the extract elicited mild cellular reaction at the doses employed.