Research Journal of Science and Technology

C. Ikewuchi Catherine ¹, C. Ikewuchi Jude ¹, N. Onyeike Eugene ¹, O. Ayalogu Edward ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, 5323, Choba, Rivers State, NG

Abstract

The effect of aqueous extract of Sansevieria liberica on plasma marker enzymes, plasma chemistry and hematological profiles of salt-loaded rats were studied. The control group received a diet consisting 100% of the commercial feed, while the four test groups received a diet consisting 8% salt and 92% commercial feed all through, except for the reference treatment group that had its salt-loading discontinued after six weeks. The extract was orally administered daily at 200 and 250mg/kg body weight; while the test control, reference and control groups received appropriate volumes of water by the same route. The extract had no negative effects on the liver and kidney functions, produced significantly (P<0.05) higher plasma calcium and potassium levels, red cell and white cell counts, and significantly (P<0.05) lower plasma sodium and chloride levels in the test animals compared to test control. These results support the use of the plant in the management of hypertension, while suggesting that the extract may be a potassium sparing diuretic whose antihypertensive action may be mediated by alteration of plasma sodium and potassium balances or calcium induced alteration in muscle tone.

Keywords

Hematological Profile, Plasma Chemistry, Plasma Electrolyte, Sansevieria liberica.

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C. Ikewuchi Catherine ¹, C. Ikewuchi Jude ¹, O. Ayalogu Edward ¹, N. Onyeike Eugene ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, P.M.B. 5323, Choba, NG

Abstract

The alkaloid, allicin, glycoside and saponin levels of the leaves of Sansevieria senegambica were determined by gas liquid chromatography. The leaves are rich in alkaloids (93.76mg/kg wet weight and 293.91 mg/kg dry weight), with low allicin (1.2115 mg/kg wet weight and 3.7979 mg/kg dry weight) and saponin (0.94978 mg/kg wet weight and 2.97737 mg/kg dry weight), and very low glycoside (0.02547 mg/kg wet weight and 0.07985 mg/kg dry weight) contents. Twelve alkaloids were detected, consisting mainly of ambelline (about 24.39%), 6-hydoxybuphanidrine (18.10%) and crinamidine (17.73%). Of the three allicins detected, diallylthiosulphinate (about 52.70%) was the most abundant, while the most abundant saponin was avenacins B-1 (about 37.75%). These results show that the leaves are rich in alkaloids, lending credence to their use for medicinal purposes.

Keywords

Alkaloids, Allicins, Glycosides, Medicinal Plants, Phytochemical, Sansevieria senegambica, Saponins.

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