Phytochemical and analgesic activity of root crude extracts of Dicoma niccolifera wild (Asteraceae).

The study aimed at evaluating the phytochemical profile and anti-nociception activity of root crude extracts of D. niccolifera, a plant commonly used to alleviate painful conditions by local communities. Standard phytochemical screening tests revealed presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides and anthraquinones. Anti-nociception was assessed using the hot plate model on Swiss Albino mice. Mice intraperitoneally injected with root crude extract showed that the D. niccolifera root extract had analgesic activity by taking longer to react to the thermal stimulus than the control group. The extract higher doses of 500 and 1000mg/kg showed peak mean latency times of 2.39 and 2.12 seconds respectively. These latency times were found to be significantly different (p<0.05) from the control. The anti-nociception activity may be attributed to the phenolic compounds in the extract. The study validates the use of D. niccolifera in managing painful conditions.

Phytochemical screening, cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activities of the Zimbabwean endemic plant Phyllanthus serpentinicola Radcl.-Sm. (Phyllanthaceae).

Stem methanolic extract of Phyllanthus serpentinicola was screened for phytochemicals, and tested for cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activities. Tests indicated presence of alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, reducing sugars and flavonoids. Saponins, anthraquinones, and cardiac glycosides were absent. Cytotoxic effects of the plant were assessed through Brine shrimp lethality (BSL) bioassay. An LC50 value of 1.3 μg/ml was found, thus indicating that the stem extract was strongly cytotoxic. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by the egg albumen induced hind paw oedema test on Swiss albino mice. The extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced the oedema, thus indicating that P. serpentinicola has anti-inflammatory properties.