ABSTRACT
Proximate composition and phytochemical constituents of stems of A. africana and T. diversifolia (Asteraceae) were investigated. The stems of these species contain anti-oxidant, anticancer, anti-tumor, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties which cures malaria, skin diseases, athlete’s foot, asthma, gonorrhoea and to stop bleeding. The stems of these two species revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins and cardiac glycosides. The proximate analysis of the stems of A. africana and T. diversifolia showed the moisture content of 15.7% and 20.6%, total ash of 6.10% and 6.55%, acid insoluble ash of 0.55% and 0.33%, sulphated ash of 18.8% and 14.0%, protein content of 7.87% and 9.62%, fat of 3.68% and 4.21%, fibre of 12.30% and 15.82%, carbohydrate of 75.97% and 70.35%, volatile ether soluble of 7.33% and 1.66%, water soluble of 3.33% and 0.33% and diluted alcohol soluble of 5.33% and 5.66%. The results of this study suggest the popular use of A. africana and T. diversifolia in herbal medicine.
ABSTRACT
Effects of graded dosages of methanolic extract of Aspilia Africana were examined on the estrous cycle, uterine weights and histology to determine its effects on the reproductive functions of 25 cyclic female rats. The rats were randomized into five groups A, B, C, D, and E. They were given Omg/kg body weight, 150 mg/kg body weight, 200 mg/kg body weight, 250 mg/kg body weight, and 300 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The effect on the estrous cycle was determined by vaginal lavage while routine histological preparations were done with haematoxylin-eosin stains. All values were statistically compared at appropriate confidence intervals. Estrous cycles were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner and histology revealed a dose-dependent toxicity.
Se examinaron los efectos de las distintas dosificaciones de extracto de metanol de Aspilia africana, en los ciclos estrales, peso uterino y en la histología para determinar sus efectos en las funciones reproductivas de 25 ratas hembra. Las ratas fueron randomizadas en cinco grupos: A, B, C, D y E y recibieron 0 mg/kg de peso corporal, 150 mg/kg de peso corporal, 200 mg/kg de peso corporal, 250 mg/kg de peso corporal y 300 mg/kg de peso corporal respectivamente. El efecto en el ciclo estral fue determinado por frotis vaginal, preparado con técnicas histológicas de rutina y teñido con hematoxilina-eosina. Todos los valores fueron estadísticamente comparados con intervalos de confianza adecuados. Los ciclos estrales fueron significativamente reducidos en forma dosis dependiente y la histología reveló una toxicidad dosis dependiente.