The aqueous extract of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch (family:
Burseraceae) was investigated for therapeutic properties using
aspirin-induced ulceration in rats, gastrointestinal motility in mice
and castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats. The median lethal dose (LD50)
of the extract was carried out via the oral route in mice.
Antimicrobial and preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract
was also investigated. The extract did not show toxicity signs or death
at doses ≤2000 mg/kg p.o. The extract (50-200 mg/kg i.p.) dose
dependently reduced acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) (200 mg/kg p.o.) -
induced ulceration in rats. The results obtained compared favourably
with cimetidine (100 mg/kg i.p.). The extract (25-100 mg/kg p.o.) dose
also dependently reduced intestinal propulsion of charcoal-treated
mice. However, the extract (25-100 mg/kg i.p) did not produce
significant (P >O.O5) protection against castor oil-induced
diarrhoea in rats. No antimicrobial effects were shown by the extract
(200 mg/kg) against any of the tested organisms. Tannins were detected
in the aqueous extract. The above results show that B. dalzielii stem
bark probably contains some active ingredients that could be developed
for such gastrointestinal problems as have been claimed by traditional
medical practitioners
