@article {1143, title = {Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Studies of Leaves of Psydrax horizontalis Schum. and Thonn (Rubiaceae)}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {12}, year = {2020}, month = {May 2020}, pages = {541-550}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {541}, abstract = {

Introduction: Psydrax horizontalis Schum. and Thonn; is used traditionally in the treatment of malaria, fever, and management of diabetes in Nsukka, South-eastern Nigeria. Owing to its increasing ethno-medicinal relevance, proper identification and evaluation are vital to prevent adulteration. This research article presents a detailed pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation on the leaves of Psydrax horizontalis which will be used in its identification and consequent standardization. Methods: The fresh and powdered leaves were evaluated for their macroscopic and microscopic features. Physicochemical properties and phytochemical screening were carried out based on standard procedures by World Health Organization (WHO). Results: Psydrax horizontalis is a petiolate, stipulate and compound bi-pinnate leaf with reticulate venation, entire margin, chordate base and has opposite leaf arrangement. Microscopic diagnostic characters observed were paracytic stomata, unicellular covering trichomes, microsphenoidal shaped calcium oxalate crystals, lignified vessels and fibres as well as numerous starch grains. The total ash, water soluble ash, sulphated ash, acid insoluble ash compositions were 6.5, 0.5, 2.75 and 0.5\% respectively. The moisture content, alcohol soluble extractive and water soluble extractive values obtained were 8.8, 3.8 and 3.7\% respectively. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening showed flavonoids, tannins, steroids, phenols and alkaloids at 100.00{\textpm}0.035, 22.00{\textpm}0.036, 19.50{\textpm}0.024, 15.00{\textpm}0.032 and 13.00{\textpm}0.014 mg/g respectively as the major phytochemical constituents. Conclusion: The pharmacognostic standards of the leaves of Psydrax horizontalis were determined and serve as quality control parameters for their purity, identification and standardization.

}, keywords = {Evaluation, Microscopic, Pharmacognostic, Phytochemical, Psydrax horizontalis}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2020.12.82}, author = {Onyekere Peculiar Feenna and Odoh Uchenna Estella and Peculiar-Onyekere Chioma Obianuju and Nwafor Felix Ifeanyi and Ezugwu Christopher Obodike} } @article {1062, title = {Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-diabetic Activity of Leaf extract of Psydrax horizontalis Schum and Thonn (Rubiaceae)}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {12}, year = {2020}, month = {February 2020}, pages = {95-102}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {95}, abstract = {

Introduction: Rubiacaeae is a large family of flowering plants of 630 genera with over 13000 species widely distributed in the tropical and warm regions of the world. The Psydrax genus has been reported to have various pharmacological activities. Based on ethno-pharmacological information, Psydrax horizontalis Schum. and Thonn. (Bridson) locally known as {\textquotedblleft}Akata-ike{\textquotedblright} in Nsukka is used in the management of diabetes in South-eastern Nigeria. However as at the time of this research, no previous work has been done to investigate its phytochemical constituents and anti-diabetic activity. Methods: The methanol extract (ME) obtained by maceration was analysed for phytochemicals present using standard procedures. Alloxan monohydrate at 150 mg/Kg was used to induce diabetes. Acute toxicity test was done using the Lorke{\textquoteright}s method. The normoglycemic and alloxan-induced groups of twenty animals each were treated orally with 100, 200 and 400 mg/Kg of ME; 5 mg/Kg of glibenclamide and 2 mL/kg of 3\% Tween 80 as the controls. The fasting blood glucose concentrations were monitored at 0, 1, 3 and 6 h, as well as 1st, 3rd and 5th day. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, saponins and terpenoids. Median lethal dose was greater than 5000 mg/kg. In the alloxan-induced diabetic rats, significant activity at p\<0.01 on the 6th hour was recorded at doses 100, 200 and 400 mg/Kg ME on day 3. Conclusion: The ME of Psydrax horizontalis possesses significant anti-diabetic activity in the alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The results obtained validate its traditional use in management of diabetes.

}, keywords = {Alloxan monohydrate, Diabetes, Extraction, Flavonoids}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2020.12.15}, author = {Onyekere Peculiar Feenna and Odoh Uchenna Estella and Ezugwu Christopher Obodike} }