Project Materials

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES OF DICHLOROMETHANE FRACTION OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF CRATEVA ADANSONII

ABSTRACT

According to Ryan and Majno (1983), inflammation is the intricate biological reaction of vascular tissue to damaging stimuli like pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Over the past ten years, anti-inflammatory drug research has accelerated due to the urgency created by the increased rate of stroke and the atherosclerosis attribute caused by prolonged use of cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, while synthetic pharmaceutical agents have continued to dominate research (Ryan & Majno, 1983). Natural products are receiving more and more attention. These are sometimes thought to be more effective than traditional anti-inflammatory medications and are frequently more accessible and reasonably priced. Twelve rats, split into three groups of four rats each, were used in the anti-inflammatory experiment. The positive and negative controls were represented by Groups 1 and 2, respectively. When compared to the standard difference, Group 3, which was given 25 mg/kg b.w. of the dichloromethane fraction of the methanol extract of Crateva adansonii, had significant anti-inflammatory effect.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

One of the body’s natural defence mechanisms is inflammation. It is also the body’s necessary response to infection. The body cannot fight off microbial invasions or repair wounds if there is insufficient inflammation. When the inflammatory response is excessive, the body’s own organs are attacked by the immune system, which ultimately results in chronic illness (Sears, 2000).

The term “anti-inflammatory” describes a substance’s or treatment’s ability to lower inflammation. Pain, redness, fever, swelling, and loss of function are some of the clear clinical indicators of inflammation (Pai et al. 2004).

However, cancer or neurological illness may develop if inflammation is left unchecked (Pai et al. 2004). There are numerous safe and efficient anti-inflammatory medications available, such as corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Acute and chronic inflammation are typically treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). According to Bayness and Marek (2005), NSAIDS function by lowering prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins are substances that increase temperature, discomfort, and inflammation. Prostaglandins are made by the enzymes phospholipase A2, PGH2 synthase, and cyclooxygenase (Cox).

Cyclooxygenase-1 (Cox-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) are the two varieties of COX enzymes. Through the inhibition of COX enzymes, NSAIDS lower prostaglandin synthesis, which in turn lowers fever, pain, and inflammation. Crateva adansonii is a tiny forest and savanna woodland tree that is extensively dispersed in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

It is a member of the phylum Magnoliophyta and family Capparacea. The leaves are applied topically to ease joint discomfort, and their fresh juice is used as an anodyne for toothaches, earaches, and eye infections. Bark powder is used to treat asthma, rheumatism, itching, and epilepsy (Sivarajan & Balachandran, 1994).

1.2 The plant Crateva adansonii.

The tree that blooms The sacred garlic pear and temple plant is Crateva adansonii. Due of the long, spidery stamens that are produced by the ostentatious flowers, the tree is frequently referred to as the spider tree. It is indigenous to a number of South Pacific Islands, Japan, Australia, and a large portion of Southeast Asia.

From Senegal to northern Nigeria, as well as throughout Africa to Zaire, Tanganyika, and Madagascar, it grows in forests and savanna woods, frequently along riverbanks. In Igbo, the plant is commonly known as amakarode. It is called egun-orun in Yoruba and ungududu in Hausa.

The tree grows to a height of around 15 meters. Because of the thick masses of white flowers that are produced at the terminals of every shoot, the uneven and rarely straight trunk is worthy of being grown as an ornamental.

The tree is frequently stunted in the bush due to frequent leaf stripping and grass burning, which allows it to thrive. When cut, the wood has a distinct scent and is soft and golden. Nonetheless, the leaves are consumed in cereal mixtures or soups.

The Hausa term “Kwado” refers to a mixture made of boiling locust beans, Parkia Spp. (Leguminosae Mimisoideae). The leaves are used as a potherb by the Yoruba.

They are a component of sauces in higher volt. According to some, the leaves are only harvested during times of famine and sold in northern marketplaces. In Nigeria, the bark is frequently used to treat stomach issues. A bark paste is applied as a treatment on swellings in Jebel Marra.

The deciduous plant Crateva adansonii has three palmate leaves. The leaves are positioned in opposition to each other. They have complete margins and are elliptic. The flowers have a light green colour.

From March to May, the flora are in full flower. Racemes are used to arrange the flowers. Berries are the fruits. According to Burkill (1985), it can tolerate temperatures exceeding 1°C and 2°C.
Taxonomy

Capparaceae is the family.

Genus: Crateva

Crateva adansonii DC is the species.

Division/Phylum: Magnoliophyta

Division subdivided: Magnoliophytina

Rosopsida classes

The Dilleniidae subclass

Highest level: Violanae

Capparales is the order.

The bark of the Crateva adansonii plant has therapeutic properties for leprosy, gastrointestinal issues, and general healing. It is used to cure eye conditions, liver problems, and venereal illnesses.

It also acts as a pain reliever for roots, dropsy, swellings, oedema, and gout. Bark powder is used to treat asthma, epilepsy, rheumatism, and itching.

1.3 The purpose and goals of the Study

Goal:

to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of Crateva adansonii dichloromethane fraction extracts in rats.

Goals:

i) To ascertain whether Crateva adansonii extracts in methanol have an anti-inflammatory effect on rats.

ii) To identify the phytochemicals in rats’ methanol-based Crateva adansonii extract.