[1]
Ukwubile Cletus A., Department of Science Laboratory Technology, School of Science and Technology, Federal Polytechnic Bali,Taraba State, Nigeria.
[2]
Agu Matthew O., Department of Science Laboratory Technology, School of Science and Technology, Federal Polytechnic Bali,Taraba State, Nigeria.
[3]
Elsie Joseph A., Department of Science Laboratory Technology, School of Science and Technology, Federal Polytechnic Bali,Taraba State, Nigeria.
Melastomastrum capitatum is a medicinal plant used by the Fulani communities of Nguroje, and Gembu in Taraba State, Nigeria for treatment of pains, headache, pulmonary problems, blood purification and other diverse ailments. The present study evaluated the preliminary phytochemical constituents of leaf and acute toxicity (LD50) of the methanol leaf extract of the plant. Preliminary phytochemical screening of leaf methanol extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, terpenes, steroids, anthracenes and cardiac glycosides. Acute toxicity study carried out in thirteen Swiss albino mice at doses 10, 100, 1000mg/kg body weight (b.w) (phase I) and 1600, 2900, 5000mg/kg b.w (phase II) using Lorke 's methods revealed that the plant extract was safe at these doses. However, there was partial reduction in metabolic activity in the mice at 5000 mg/kg which lasted for only 5 min. Histopathological examinations of liver, lung, kidneys, spleen and heart showed no congestion and necrosis in all the groups. The study showed that leaf methanol extract of M. capitatum is safe as an ethnomedicinal plant in traditional medicine.
Phytochemical Screening, Acute Toxicity (LD50), Melastomastrum capitatum, Albino Mice
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