Phytochemicals and Acute Toxicity of Moringa oleifera Roots in Mice | Chapter 08 | Modern Advances in Pharmaceutical Research Vol. 3
The phytochemicals used by plants to
protect themselves against predators in Moringa oleifera roots were
qualitatively identified in the aqueous and ethanol extracts. Its acute
toxicity in 24 h was evaluated in Swiss albino mice. M. oleifera, a native
plant of the sub-Himalayan tracts of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and
Afghanistan is used in folk medicine. It is claimed to have nutritional,
medicinal, socio-economic and industrial values. Many individuals and families
consume the roots for their medicinal properties. Despite wide use the roots,
the phytochemicals and toxicity profile are not well documented. This study set
out to determine the phytochemicals and acute toxicity of M. oleifera roots in
mice. The roots were harvested during dry season and air dried. Serial
extractions using ether, ethanol and water were done. The harvested phytochemicals
were qualitatively identified using standard chemicals procedures. The
phytochemicals identified were: Gallic tannins, catechol tennins, steroids and
triterponoids, saponins, anthraquinones, alkaloids, and reducing sugars. Acute
toxicity was determined by giving a single oral dose to Swiss albino mice and
observed for 24 h. The LD50 was calculated using the probit tables.
The LD50 of ethanol extract was 17.8 g/kg and that of aqueous
extract was 15.9 g/kg. In conclusion, M. oleifera roots contain protective
phytochemicals and are relatively non-toxic when given in a single dose.
Author(s) Details
J. N. Kasolo
Department of Physiology,
School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makererere
University, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
L. Ojok
Department of Pathology,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makererere University, Kampala, Uganda.
W. Ogwal-Okeng
Department of Pharmacology
and Therapeutics, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences,
Makererere University, Kampala, Uganda.
G. S. Bimenya
Department of Pathology,
School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makererere
University, Kampala, Uganda.
Comments
Post a Comment