Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Original Research Article | OPEN ACCESS

Evaluation of Phytochemical Constituents, Antibacterial Activities and Effect of Exudate of Pycanthus Angolensis Weld Warb (Myristicaceae) on Corneal Ulcers in Rabbits

D N Onwukaeme¹, T B Ikuegbvweha¹, C C Asonye²

¹Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City,; ²Department of Optometry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

For correspondence:- C Asonye Email: nkemmkparu@yahoo.com Tel:+234-8033714849

Published: 28 June 2007

Citation: Onwukaeme DN, Ikuegbvweha TB, Asonye CC. Evaluation of Phytochemical Constituents, Antibacterial Activities and Effect of Exudate of Pycanthus Angolensis Weld Warb (Myristicaceae) on Corneal Ulcers in Rabbits. Trop J Pharm Res 2007; 6(2):725-730 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v6i2.7

© 2007 The authors.
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Abstract

Purpose: A 1: 1: 2 mixture of exudates of Anchomonas difformis, Cyrtrospherma senegalense and Pycanthus angolensis is claimed to be used for the treatment of corneal ulcers. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, antibacterial activities and the effectiveness of a mixture of these exudates in the treatment of corneal ulcers as claimed in Traditional medicine practice.

Method: Fresh exudates were collected in different containers. They were reduced to dryness and each residue tested for phytochemical constituents. Exudates of P. angolensis was further tested for antimicrobial activities and its effect on chemical – induced corneal ulcers in rabbits.

Result: Only reducing sugars were detected in exudates of A. angolensis and C. senegalensis. Bioactive constituents detected in exudates of P. angolensis were the reducing sugars and phenolic compounds- tannins and flavonoids. This also showed antimicrobial activity against the organisms used. It healed the NaOH – induced corneal ulcers in rabbits within ten of days of treatment.

Conclusion: Exudates of P.angolensis contained bioactive constituents and exhibited antibacterial activity, and healed the corneal ulcers induced in rabbits. Its use in traditional practice for healing corneal ulcers is rational, even in the absence of exudates of A. angolensis and C. senegalensis.

Keywords: Pycanthus angolensis, exudates, corneal ulcers, rabbits.