ISSN 4391-3199
African Journal of Chemistry Vol. 1 (1), pp. 017-018, October, 2013. © International Scholars Journals
Short Communication
Evaluation of the anti-edematogenic activity of the aqueous extract of Leea guineensis
Falodun A.*, Okunrobo L. O. and Agbo L. O.
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Benin, Benin city, Nigeria.
*Corresponding authors E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +234-8032396550
Accepted 22 July, 2013
Abstract
Leea guineensis leaf is a medicinal herb used in folk medicine for the management of inflammatory disease conditions such as in splenomegaly in children. Because of this use, the plant was evaluated for anti-inflammatory properties. The phytochemical studies revealed the presence of saponins and glycosides as the secondary metabolites. Using the carrageenan- induced paw oedema, there was a significant (P<0.001) reduction in edema. The study also revealed a dose dependent anti-edematogenic activity. These preliminary investigations seem to support its use by herbalists to treat inflammatory disease condition such as splenomegaly.
Key words: Carrageenan, Leea guineensis, edematogenic activity.