[1]
Agu Matthew Onyema, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria.
[2]
Barminas Jeff Tsware, Department of Chemistry, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria.
[3]
Cletus Ukwubile Anes, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria.
[4]
Hotton Joseph A., NAFDAC, Office Complex, Chemical Evaluation and Research Directorate, Oshodi-Lagos State, Nigeria.
To investigate and determine at what level the methanol sequential solvent extraction of Costus afer leaves is toxic to mice as well as to determine and check the toxicity level of the Snail slime extracts to mice. Costus afer is a medicinal plant used widely in Nigeria for the management of various ailments. This research appraised the toxic potential of the plant extract and snail slime extract with a view to validating or contesting its safety. The solubility status of the extract was evaluated using different organic solvents, mineral acids and alkalis which were found to be slightly soluble in concentrated HCl, Dil. NaOH at temperature other than room temperature, whereas its solubility effect was observed for distilled water at both room and higher temperature. Physicochemical composition of the snail slime extract was also determined. Protein, carbohydrate and fat were found to be qualitatively present at high, moderate and low amount respectively. The percentage of the extraction yield for the plant was also determined for the following solvent extracts of methanol, acetone, water and result were 0.85, 6.27, 1.75 and 2.06% respectively. The preliminary phytochemical of the methanol, acetone, and water extracts of the Costus afer leaf was conducted and showed the presence of alkaloid, phenol, flavonoid and cardianoloids in the methanol extract; carbohydrate and saponin were present in the acetone extract; carbohydrate, glycosides, cardiac glycosides and saponin were present in the aqueous extract. The result obtained shows that the leaf extract and snail slime extracts are non-toxic to mice in sub-acute and acute dose of 5000mg/kg. This result shows conformity in toxicity consideration because of their long term usage by humans and it is expected that the bioactive compounds obtained from them should have lowest animal and human toxicity. Our preliminary findings may lead to the support for the claimed medicinal use of the plant as remedy for cough, rheumatism, diuretics, purgatives etc. and the snail slime in traditional healing for several decades.
Costus Afer, Snail Slime, Glycosides, Physicochemical, Phytochemical, Sub-Acute Dose
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