Pharmacognostic, antiplasmodial and antipyretic evaluation of the aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaf

Abstract

The impeding safety challenges to the use of herbs have made qualitative and quantitative evaluation of herbal preparations a necessity. This study was aimed at evaluating the pharmacognostic and pharmacological properties of V. amygdalina leaf. Methods used include standard procedure for macroscopic and microscopic examinations; ash and extractive values determination; and quantitative evaluation of phytochemicals of the leaf aqueous extract. 4-day antiplasmodial suppression test using mice and antipyretic evaluation in rats induced pyrexia by i.p administration of 15% w/v Saccharomyces cerevisiae were carried out. Data showed presence of calcium oxalates and animocytic stomata. Extractive values suggest high aqueous soluble constituents. Saponin at 9.18% w/w} 0.19, among the phytochemicals evaluated was highest. Ash values: total ash 11.33% w/w} 0.15 and acid insoluble ash 1.89% w/w} 0.19, were obtained. Parasite suppression on day 4 and dose induced body temperature decrease, were significant (P . 0.05) for all the 3 dose levels of the extract used. Study agrees with folkloric use of the leaf extract in malaria fever but suggests substantial antipyretic property of the leaf.