Phytochemical and Bioactivity Investigations of Macfadyena unguis-cati L. (Bignoniaceae)

GC/MS of the volatile components of the aerial part of Macfadyena unguis-cati L, Fam. Bignoniaceae revealed the presence of 74 compounds, 52 (75.97%) of them were identified. The major compound was n-decane (12.21%) followed by phytol (12.19%). The saponifiable fraction of the petroleum ether extract contained 21 fatty acids identified as methyl esters. In the unsaponifiable fraction, 37 compounds (representing 93.26%) were identified. β-amyrin, squalene, β-sitosterol and 3α,5-cyclo-ergosta-7,22-dien-6-one were identified in the USM. Determination of LD50 of different extracts showed that total ethanol extract was the safest (4.9 g/kg) followed by petroleum ether extract, (4.5 g/kg) and ethyl acetate extract having the least LD50 (3.1 g/kg). The total ethanol extract was found to be the most potent as antipyretic, followed by ethyl acetate extract. The ethanol extract, as well as the coumarin containing fraction exhibited significant analgesic activity.Key words: Macfadyena unguis-cati L., Bignoniaceae, fatty acids, analgesic activity, antipyretic activity, LD50