Phytochemical composition and biological activities of Uvaria chamae and Clerodendoron splendens

Abstract

Uvaria chamae P. Beauv and Clerodendron splendens A Cheval are known to have various medicinal and therapeutic properties. Their anti-inflammatory and oxytocic properties were assessed in this study. The extracts and aspirin were found to inhibit carrageenan-induced paw oedema on albino rats and mice with a strong activity in aspirin having (80.43 %) inhibition while U. chamae and C. splendens have 69.57% and 47.83% inhibition respectively. The plants extract exhibition and uterine contraction activity on guinea pig. Phytochemical studies on the plants revealed the presence of bioactive components comprising flavonoids (0.70 - 5.70 mg. 100 g-1), alkaloids (0.81-5.40 mg. 100 g-1), tannins (0.40 - 3.60 mg. 100 g-1), saponins (0.38 - 2.10 mg. 100 g-1) and phenols (0.08 - 0.10 mg. 100 g-1). These bioactive compounds may be responsible for the medicinal properties of U. chaemae and C. splendens that form the basis of their use in herbal medicine in Nigeria.