African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (9), pp. 1151-1153, 2 May 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Short Communication

Evaluation of the anti-edematogenic activity of the aqueous extract of Leea guineensis

Falodun A.*, Okunrobo L. O. and Agbo L. O.

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Benin, Benin city. Nigeria

*Corresponding authors E-mail: faloabi25@yahoo.com. Tel: +234-8032396550.

Accepted 22 January, 2007

Leea guineensis leaf is a medicinal herb used in folk medicine for the management of inflammatory disease conditions such as in splenomegaly in children. Because of this use, the plant was evaluated for anti-inflammatory properties. The phytochemical studies revealed the presence of saponins and glycosides as the secondary metabolites. Using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema, there was a significant (P<0.001) reduction in edema. The study also revealed a dose dependent anti-edematogenic activity. These preliminary investigations seem to support its use by herbalists to treat inflammatory disease condition such as splenomegaly.

Key words: Carrageenan, Leea guineensis, edematogenic activity.