Pharmacological and toxicological effects of cardia maclodii

ABSTRACT

Pharmacological and toxicological effects of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of each of the fruits [Ia,b], bark [IIa,b], flowers [IIIa,b], and leaves [IVa,b] of Cordia maclodii were investigated in albino rats. The acute LD50 of Ia,b, IIa,b, and IVa were 2.4, 1.5, 1.25, 1.5, 1.5, 1.6, 1.25 and 1.50 g/kg body weight, respectively. All tested extracts exhibited significant analgesic and anticonvulsant activities. Extracts IIIa,b and Ia had anti-inflammatory effect in the chronic model in rats. Extracts IVa and Ib recorded the highest incidence of ulcer numbers, while IIIa,b were completely devoid of ulcerogenicity. All tested extracts, except IIa,b were effective as glucose lowering agents in diabetic rats. Extracts IIIa,b and IIb showed significant diuretic effect. The phytochemical screening indicated that all the extracts contain polysaccharides, while extracts Ia, IIIa,b and IVa,b contain flavonoids