Analgesic, Phytochemical and Toxicological Investigations of Ethanol Extract of the Leaves of Kigelia Africana (Lam.) Benth (Family Bignoniaceae)-Sausage Tree

Abstract

The plant of Kigelia africana had been in use from time immemorial by the people of Ogidi in Idemili Local Government area of Anambra State, Nigeria to treat pyrexia, analgesia and infectious diseases. For example the decoction of the plant is used to treat wounds, running stomach (diarrhea), aches and pains as well as fever. This investigation was carried out to ascertain the truth of this claim. The leaves of Kigelia africana was collected and dried at ambient temperature and pulverized. Exactly 200g of the powdered drug was extracted with 400ml of ethanol using the cold maceration technique for 24 hours with occasional shaking. This was filtered and the procedure repeated with the marc. The combined filtrates were concentrated under reduced pressure with rotary evaporator. The preliminary phytochemical tests were carried out using standard methods. The analgesic was conducted using hot plate method. The acute toxicity test of the extract was determined using the Lorke’s method. The leaves of Kigelia africana exhibited analgesic property. Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, proteins, steroids and carbohydrates were found. Toxicity test showed that the extract was safe at the dose of 1000mg/kg.Preliminary studies support the claim that the leaves of Kigelia Africana possesses, analgesic properties.