Chromatographic and anti-motility studies on extracts of <i>Loranthus micranthus</i> Linn.

Abstract

The anti-motility properties of the leaves of African mistletoe, Loranthus micranthus (Linn), Loranthaceae harvested from Kola acuminate host tree was studied by the charcoal meal test in mice. The intraperitoneal LD₅₀ of the methanol extract was determined in mice by the Locke's method. The phytochemical constituents of the leaf extract were also determined. An attempt was also made to resolve the extracts into its components using thin layer chromatography (TLC). The leaves of L. micranthus were found to contain alkaloids, cyanogenetic glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, proteins and resins. The intraperitoneal LD₅₀ of the methanol extract of the leaves in mice was calculated to be 5916 mg/kg. Among the chromatographic solvent systems tested, toluene: diethylamine (19:1) gave the best resolution in all the extracts. The highest number of spots was obtained with the ethanol extract. Result of the charcoal meal test revealed that the methanol extract had a significant dose-dependent anti-motility effect. At a dose of 200 mg/kg, the methanol extract produced a decrease in gastric transit time, which was significantly (P< 0.05) higher than that of atropine (10 mg/kg).

Keywords: African mistletoe, anti-motility activity, phytochemical tests, chromatographic studies

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences Vol. 3(1) 2006: 263-268