Anti-cataleptic, skeletal muscle relaxant and cognitive properties of the ethanol extract of Lophira alata Banks ex C.F. Gaertn. (Ochnaceae) stem bark in mice

Lophira alata is a perennial tree which grows in many parts of sub-Saharan and East Africa and is used in Ethnomedicine for a wide range of disorders including insomnia, algesia, psychosis and memory enhancement. Phytochemical screening was carried out and acute toxicity of ethanol stem bark extract of L. alata was determined. The central nervous system modulating activities of Lophira alata stem bark extract (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg, per oral) were evaluated via haloperidol and morphine induced catalepsy, rotarod performance test, diazepam induced sleep, the novel object recognition and Y-maze tests. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins; the LD50 of L. alata was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. L. alata significantly (p<0.05) attenuated catalepsy in a non-dose dependent manner, decreased latency time on the rotarod (all dose levels), did not reduce onset of sleeping time nor increase duration of sleep. L. alata also significantly (p<0.05) increased time spent with the novel object (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) and increased percentage spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test (800 mg/kg). L. alata possess CNS activity which may account for its use in ethnomedicine for management of psychosis and cognitive enhancement

Safety and toxicity profiles of the ethanol extract of Lophira alata (Ochnaceae) stem bark in mice

The use of herbal medicines is beneficial but not devoid of adverse effects. Toxicity of Lophira alata, a plant commonly used in parts of West and East Africa was evaluated in this study. The mean oral lethal doses were determined. Sub-acute toxicity in murine models using 250-2000 mg/kg of the ethanol extract of the plant was carried out. Animals were treated with the extract, daily for two weeks after which, they were sacrificed, and the blood, brains and visceral organs carefully collected. These were used for haematological, biochemical (renal and hepatic) and histopathological analysis. Significant changes in haematological, hepatic and histological indices were observed at higher doses. Prolonged use of Lophira alata at high doses may not be advisable due to its potentially cytotoxic properties.Keywords: Lophira alata, ethanol extract, extract, ethanol, toxicit