ANALGESIC, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND TOXICOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF THE LEAVES OF BAPHIA PUBESCENS HOOK.F (FAMILY LEGUMINOSAE)

Abstract

Baphia pubenscens plant is claimed by the people of Ogidi in Idemili Local Government area of Anambra State, Nigeria to have anti pyretic, analgesic and antimicrobial properties. The decoction of the leaves is used to treat, running stomach (diarrhea), aches and pains as well as fever. This investigation was carried out to ascertain the truth of these claims.The leaves of Baphia pubenscenswas collected and dried at ambient temperature andpulverized. Exactly 200 g of the powdered drug was extracted with 400ml of ethanol using the cold maceration technique for 24hours withoccasional 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 antipyretic activity using brewer’s yeast to induce pyrexia was conducted. The acute toxicity test of the extract was determined using the Lorke’s method. The leaves of Baphia pubenscens exhibited analgesic activity by elongating endurance time of rats on hot plate. Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins terpenoids carbohydrates, steroids, tannins, reducing sugar and proteins were found. Preliminary studies support the claim that the leaves of Baphia pubennscens possess antipyretic properties