PHARMACOGNISTIC, ACUTE TOXICITY AND ANALGESIC STUDIES OF THE STEM OF GUIERA SENEGALENSIS J.F GMIEL (COMBRETACCEAE)

Abstract

The various features of the whole stem of Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmiel were observed macroscopically and microscopically using standard description of terms. Macroscopically, it presents an ash grey stem with numerous knots that send out fibrous/pubescent bark branches with a characteristic odour and a slightly bitter taste. The length of the stem ranges from 1 to 3m and 5 to 10mm in diameter. Microscopically, the powdered stem revealed lignified fibres, prism calcium oxalate crystals, modullary rays on the fibres, parenchyma cells and cork cells. The tranverse section of the stem shows cork cells of thin paranchymatous cells arranged in rows, thick walled and lignified sclereids, sieve tubes, medullary rays. The moisture content of the crude drug was found to be 6.75% ^w/_w. the total ash value, water soluble ash value and acid insoluble ash value were 1.92% ^w/_w, 0.88% ^w/_w, and 1.23% ^w/_w respectively. The percentage of alcohol extractive value was found to be 0.94% ^w/_w and the water extractive value was found to be 0.53% ^w/_w. In the mice writhing assay, the extract was found to inhibit the acetic acid induced writhing in mice in dose dependant manner. The acute toxicity study did not result in any observable symptoms or in death. No toxic effects were observed throughout the 7-day study period. No mouse showed signs of toxic effect such as changes on skin, fur, eyes, mucus membrane and behavioral patterns. There were no tremors, salivation, diarrhea, sleep/coma or death of any mouse.