Phytochemical Analysis and Acute Toxicity Studies on the Methanol Extract of Securidaca longepedunculata (Fresen) Root Bark in Mice

Abstract

The methanol extract of Securidaca longepedunculata root bark was screened phytochemically and its intraperitoneal acute toxicity evaluated in mice. The phytochemical screening was carried out based on standard methods. The Median Lethal Dose (LD50 ) was determined using Lorke’s method while the Maximum Tolerated Dose (LD0 ) was determined by the method described by Mosser and Padilla. The root bark extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins and flavonoids. The extract produced intraperitoneal LD0 and LD50 values of 6.92 mg/kg and 6.0 mg/kg, respectively. Based on the research findings, the methanol extract of S. longepedunculata root bark was found to contain important phytochemicals which may be attributed to its enormous use in traditional medicine, but it was a highly toxic extract in mice with intraperitoneal LD50 and LD0 values of 6.92 mg/kg and 6.0 mg/kg, respectively.