Studies on phytochemical constituents of Acioa barteri (Chrysobalanaceae) leaf extract and its anti-inflammatory properties

Bioactive compounds isolated from leaves of Acioa barteri are responsible for its antiinflammatory activity. The result of qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence flavonoids, alkaloids, Tannins, Resin, Saponins, Cardiac glycosides, Terpenoids, Steroids and Phenols. The result of anti-inflammatory activity testing showed that the plant extract possessed anti-inflammatory activity which was found to be dose dependent. At the doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg the percentage inhibition after 24 hours of administration was found to be 19.6%, 29.64%, and 49.75% respectively. The percentages 29.64% and 49.75% were found to be higher than 27.64% produced by the standard drug (Diclofenac) at 15 mg/kg. A good number of active compounds were isolated and identified by GC-MS, which include, Trilinolein, Pregn-4-ene 3, 20-dione, 17 epoxy, Octadecanoic acid 2-(hexadecyloxy) ethyl ester, Limonin, Colchicine, Paromomycin and Oleic acid eicosyl ester. Pregn-4-ene, 20-dione, 17 epoxy, Limonin, Colchicine and Octadecanoic acid 2-(hexadecyloxy) ethyl ester have been reported to possess antinflammatory activities. The result of the percentage inhibition on the Carrageenan induced paw edema albino rats obtained showed that the leaves extract of the plant possessed anti-inflammatory activity and this justified the use of this plant in ethnomedicine.