Evaluation of antihaemorrhagic and antioxidant potentials of Crinum jagus bulb.

ABSTRACT

Crinum jagus plant belongs to Amaryllidadaceae. The plant is distributed worldwide in the tropics and subtropics. The extract was prepared by cold maceration in 80% methanol at 370C with intermittent shaking for 48 h. A yield of 12.6% w/w dry extract was obtained. C. jagus extract at various concentrations (2.5, 5.0 and 10 μg/1.5 μl) completely inhibited the haemorrhagic activity of Echis ocellatus venom (4.2 μg/1.5 μl). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, reducing sugars, sterols and terpenes in the crude extract. C. jagus extract possessed a significantly high antioxidant activity, an effect that was more pronounced when compared with vitamin C at increased concentrations (50-400 μg/ml). The bulb extract of C. jagus could therefore be used as adjunct therapy to handle myriads of health challenges.