Phytochemical, sub-acute toxicity, and antibacterial evaluation of Cordia sebestena leaf extracts.

BACKGROUND: In Nigeria, Cordia sebestena (Boraginaceae), an understudied medicinal plant, is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition, antibacterial potential, and sub-acute toxicity of C. sebestena leaves. METHODS: Ethyl acetate extracts were analyzed using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry. The antibacterial potential of the extracts was tested against five standard bacteria, namely Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Clinical observations and blood parameters were used to evaluate the possible toxicity of C. sebestena. RESULTS: The TLC profile yielded 39 fractions, which were pooled to nine combined sub-fractions (A-I). The FTIR spectrum of sub-fraction H indicated the presence of aliphatic C-H stretching vibration at 2922 and 2850 cm-1, C=O stretch at 1734 and 1708 cm-1, and C=C stretch of aromatics and aliphatics at 1464 and (shoulder) 1618 cm-1, respectively. The fractions of the C. sebestena ethyl acetate leaf extract showed antibacterial potential across board, but fraction H had the highest antibacterial activity against B. cereus and S. aureus. The study also indicated the relatively low toxicity profile of the ethyl acetate leaf extract of C. sebestena in the liver of rats. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that C. sebestena leaves have strong antibacterial potential and low toxicity, thereby underlying the scientific basis for their folkloric use in the management of microbial infections and its associated complications.

Chemical composition and antioxidant potentials of Kigelia pinnata root oil and extracts.

The chemical composition of Kigelia pinnata root oil extracted with n-hexane was analyzed by GC/GCMS. The antioxidant potential of the oil was compared to that of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the root. UV and IR spectroscopic techniques were used to carry out partial characterization of the oil and extracts. The free radical scavenging activity by spectrophotometric assay on the reduction of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was examined while the total antioxidant activity (TAA) and relative antioxidant activity (RAA) were compared with standard antioxidant, α-tocopherol. The antioxidant activity (which correlated with the total phenolic content of the extracts) was assumed to be from the total phenolic content of the extracts. TAA was found to be higher in methanol extract (at 0.25 mg/mL). We hereby report for the first time the major component of the oil from the root of Kigelia pinnata to be elaidic acid (56.12 %). It is a reported toxicant which thereby underscores the risk in the use of the plant in traditional therapies.