PHARMACOGNOSTIC STANDARDIZATION AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ASSESSMENT OF THE METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF KEETIA VENOSA (OLIV.) BRIDSON (RUBIACEAE)
TL;DR
Although the extract demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of paw oedema the anti-inflammatory activity was not statistically significant compared with the control group, and the study provides useful pharmacognostic standards for the identification of Keetia venosa and establishes baseline information for future phytochemical and pharmacological investigations.
Abstract
This study evaluated the pharmacognostic and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanol leaf extract of Keetia venosa (Rubiaceae). Pharmacognostic evaluation was carried out using standard macroscopic, microscopic and chemo-microscopic techniques. Phytochemical screening and Thin-Layer Chromatography were performed using standard procedures, while acute toxicity was evaluated using the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) up-and-down method. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using egg albumin-induced paw oedema in albino rats at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg, with ibuprofen (40 mg/kg) serving as the standard anti-inflammatory drug. Macroscopic analysis showed opposite leaf arrangement, pubescent surface, elliptic shape and acute apex and base. Microscopic studies revealed polygonal epidermal cells, paracytic stomata, unicellular trichomes and prism-shaped calcium oxalate crystals. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, phenolics and saponins. No mortality or severe toxicity was observed at 5000 mg/kg. Although the extract demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of paw oedema the anti-inflammatory activity was not statistically significant compared with the control group (p > 0.05). The study provides useful pharmacognostic standards for the identification of Keetia venosa and establishes baseline information for future phytochemical and pharmacological investigations.