Phytochemical composition and acute toxicity evaluation of aqueous root bark extract of <i>Securidaca longipedunculata</i> (Linn)

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the phytochemical constituents and acute toxicity of the aqueous root bark extract of Securidaca longipedunculata Linn. The result of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of some secondary metabolites of pharmacological significance in the aqueous root bark extract including alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins and tannins with saponins and tannins in larger quantities. The extract was found to have an LD50 value of 771mg/kg body weight when it was orally administered to rats, which indicate the root bark to be slightly toxic to the experimental animals. The toxicity of the root bark is attributed to some of the phytochemicals present in the plant.

Key words: Securidaca longipedunculata, root bark, aqueous extract, phytochemicals, acute toxicity.