Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Alchornea cordifolia (Schum. and Thonn.) Mull. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) Leaf
Anthony Egbeyanebhonlen Aiwonegbe, Anthonia Iyekoretin Otoe, Ezinwanne Sophia Obagha, Faith Osarumwense Omobude, Blessing Omozele Afamah, Onyinyechi Esther Asianya, Kelechi Paul Asianya, Emmanuel Eimiomodebheki Odion
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| Key words:
lchornea cordifolia, antibacterial, proximate analysis, anti-inflammatory, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus
*Corresponding author: anthony.aiwonegbe@uniben.edu; Page No: 232-240 |
AbstractAlchornea cordifolia, commonly known as the Christmas bush, has been traditionally used in West Africa and the Congo against inflammation and infections. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of the methanol leaf extract of A. cordifolia. Color and precipitation reactions were used to qualitatively analyze the phytochemicals. Proximate analysis of the powdered leaves was performed using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods, whereas the heavy metal content was evaluated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Acute toxicity was evaluated using Lorke’s method. The anti-inflammatory properties of the extract were determined using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, and the disc diffusion method was used to screen the extract against clinical isolates. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, alkaloids, and steroids. Proximate and mineral analyses showed high moisture content (15.40%) and potassium content (37.40 mg/kg). No mortality was recorded across the doses, although writhing was observed at 5000 mg/kg of the extract. There was a significant percentage inhibition of edema with a prolonged duration of action. The highest percentage inhibition (35.4%) at 800 mg/kg was the best result compared to that of the negative control group and other doses. The extract exhibited significant inhibitory action against P. aeruginosa compared to gentamicin. The extract shows potential in inhibiting inflammatory swelling and the growth of bacteria, especially P. aeruginosa, thus supporting its use as an anti-inflammatory and anti-infective agent.
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