Résumé
In the objectives to know the phytochemical constituents in Triplochiton scleroxylon aqueous, ethanol (50%) stem bark extracts and powdered stem bark were subjected to preliminary phytochemical examinations. The phytochemical tests were conducted using standard methods of analysis. The results of analyzes reveal presence of the following phytochemicals: carbohydrate, saponins, tannins, steroids, flavonoids and phlobatannins. Quantitative analysis showed the highest yield of tannins (12.67%) and lowest yield of phenols (0.06%). Saponin was 2.23% and flavonoid 0.69%. The presence of these important phytochemicals in the stem bark of Triplochiton scleroxylon play very vital roles in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (ethnomedicine) in some parts of Nigeria.
Résumé
The acute toxicity and dose response studies of aqueous and 50% ethanol extracts of stem bark of Triplochiton scleroxylon were investigated in albino rats (Wistar strain) of average weight, 137.67g. Male albino rats were administered (p.o) extracts at the dose of 200, 500, 1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight for 28 days respectively and activities of liver enzyme markers (alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine amino transaminase (ALT) and γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) determined using spectrophotometry. Kidneys, hearts and livers of experimental albino rats were subjected to histological examination after 28 days of administration of plant extracts. The lethal dose (LD50) was beyond 5000 mg/kg body weight for both extracts investigated as no signs of toxicity were observed even at larger doses. Dose response studies show a dose dependent increase (P<0.05) in the activities of liver enzyme markers in the plasma of rats and a dose dependent decrease in plasma glucose concentrations (P<0.05) on the 6th, 12th, 18th and 28th days of administration of extracts to test rats when compared to control. 200 mg/kg body weight was the safest dose for both extracts as no adverse histological changes were observed on the tissues examined. Substances that have hypoglycaemic properties with little or no side effects would be useful for and safe in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Résumé
Aqueous bark extract of Triplochiton scleroxylon used as an anti - diabetic herb in some parts of Nigeria, was examined for possible effects on body weight and some plasma components, viz., urea, creatinine and calcium concentrations in alloxan – induced diabetic rabbits. Test rabbits (New Zealand strain) of average weight, 1.60 kg, were on daily oral administration of about 100 ml of extract through clean water troughs, for 28 days. Sterile syringes were used to collect blood intravenously for analysis, from the large veins at the back of the ears of the rabbits. Standard procedures involving spectrophotometry were used to determine glucose, urea, creatinine and calcium concentrations in the plasma of experimental rabbits. The weights of the rabbits were obtained with the aid of a laboratory weighing balance. Significant decreases (P < 0.05) in plasma glucose concentration were observed on the 12th, 18th and 28th days of experiment when compared to diabetic control. However, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed on the body weight, urea and creatinine concentration with respect to diabetic controls. Although plasma calcium concentration decreased on the 12th day in the test rabbits, the decrease was not significant (P > 0.05) when compared to diabetic control. Findings so far, have shown that aqueous extract of T. scleroxylon has anti -diabetic properties without toxic side effects and this could justify the use of this plant in the treatment of diabetes mellitus in some parts of Nigeria.