Pharmacognostic and antiemetic determination of the methanol leaf extract of Elaeis guinensis

Felix N.  Osuala; Christine O. Mbachu; Sylvester C. Ohadoma

Volume : VI, Issue : VI, June - 2016

Pharmacognostic and antiemetic determination of the methanol leaf extract of Elaeis guinensis

Felix N. Osuala, Christine O. Mbachu, Sylvester C. Ohadoma

Abstract :

 Objective: To assess the pharmacognostic and antiemetic effect of the leaf extract of Elaeis guinensis. Materials and methods: The pharmacognostic evaluation of the leaf of E. guinensis was carried out using macroscopic, microscopic, chemomicroscopic, and phytochemical methods. The acute toxicity test (LD50) was done; while the antiemetic activity was determined using copper sulphate emesis technique. Results: The macroscopic analysis of the condition, apex, size, venation, margin, base, shape, surface, taste, texture and colour of E. guinensis leaf showed a fresh, acuminate, 35–50 cm long, parallel, entire, cuneate, narrow and pinnate, glaous, sour, rugose and dark–green respectively. The microscopic investigation showed trichome and actinocytic type of stomata present on the leaf of E. guinensis. The chemomicroscopic evaluation revealed the presence of lignin, starch, calcium oxalate, and cellulose. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, proteins and carbohydrates. The LD50 was above 5,000 mg/kg. The extract significantly reduced the number of retches when compared with the control. The activity was dose–dependent. Chlorpromazine exhibited the highest significant (p < 0.01) percentage inhibition (89 %) followed by extract at 200 mg/kg (85.9 %) and least at 50 mg/kg (68.7 %). Conclusion: The leaf extract of E. guinensis significantly possesses antiemetic effect.