Phytochemical and Acute Toxicity Evaluations of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Erythrophleum guineense (G. don)

Isaac Imolede, Roseline Asomugha and Earnest Erhirhie

Background and Objective: Erythrophleum guineense is used to treat a variety of disorders due to its pharmacological properties. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and acute oral toxicity (LD₅₀) of aqueous E. guineense stem bark (AEGS) on Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screenings were performed on the stem bark extract of E. guineense using standard methods. The modified Lorke's method was used to determine the acute toxicity of the stem bark extract. Results: Qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of saponins and phenols to be prevalent, terpenoids and steroids in moderate amounts, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, carbohydrates and glycosides in minimal amounts and proteins were absent. For quantitative analysis, the extract contained 107.48 mg g^–1 total tannins, 124.68 mg g^–1 total phenols, 15.24 mg g^–1 total alkaloids and 173.78 mg g^–1 total flavonoids. The acute oral toxicity of E. guineense was 6480.74 mg kg^–1. Conclusion: Erythrophleum guineense stem bark contains a variety of phytoconstituents that supports its efficacy in the treatment of a variety of ailments. Also, the aqueous stem bark extract was safe when administered orally in rats.

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