TITLE:
Preliminary Phytochemical and Toxicity Studies of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Sida corymbosa Plant
AUTHORS:
John Maiganga Bakut, Yohanna Adamu Tende, Aksavdwa Isaac Agyigra, Mojisola O. Tende, Abdulkadir Umar Zezi, Nuhu Mohammed Danjuma
KEYWORDS:
Phytochemicals, Toxicity, Sida corymbosa
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.11 No.12,
December
14,
2020
ABSTRACT: Over centuries, Sub-Saharan Africans have been using Sida corymbosa leaf extract during labour with the claims that it aids
and facilitates childbirth among others. This study aimed at preliminary
investigating the phytochemical constituent as well as the safety. Fresh plant
(leaves) specimen was harvested and identified. Aqueous Sida corymbosa leaf
extraction was carried out and used for phytochemical evaluation and toxicity
study. Thirteen (13) adult Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups of 3 animals
(n = 3) each for the first phase of the toxicity study and treated with doses
(10, 100 and 1000) mg/kg respectively and observed for 48 hours. Four groups
consisting of 1 animal each (n = 1) were used for the second phase and treated
with doses of (140, 225, 370 and 600) mg/kg respectively. Phytochemical
screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, flavonoids,
tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, sterol, triterpenes and anthraquinones
in the extract. The LD50 of the extract was found to be 471.17
mg/kg. The results of this study show that the aqueous leaf extract of Sida corymbosa is slightly toxic with potentials for biological activities from phytochemicals
present.