Phytochemical screening, acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic studies of aqueous extract of the root of Flueggea virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) in rats

The aqueous extract of the dried root was investigated to determine its total yield, phytochemical constituents, acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities in groups of Wistar rats. The root extract was prepared by decoction method according to its local use. Standard methods of Trease and Evans and Harbourne were used for phytochemical screening. Acute toxicity was done with modified method of Lorke in phases one (500-5,000mg/kg) and two (6,000-10,000mg/kg) to ascertain the safety of the extract. Yeast-induced pyrexia and egg albumin-induced oedema in rats were done by oral administration of the extract at doses of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg. A yield of 11.8% was obtained after extraction. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, steroids and cardiac glycosides. Acute toxicity testing indicated that Flueggea virosa extract (FVE) given orally up to the dose of 10,000mg/kg caused no death in rats. The anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic studies each showed that while 100mg/kg of the extract did not exert a significant effect, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg exhibited significant (p<0.05) inhibition of egg albumin induced inflammation and yeast-induced pyrexia. These results suggest that the Flueggea virosa root aqueous extract produces fairly reasonable amount of extract and contains phytochemicals which perhaps possess anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities and is practically safe.