Preliminary Phytochemical Investigation and Diuretic Studies of Alstonia boonei Stem Bark in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Objective: Stem bark of Alstonia boonei was screened phytochemically for the presence of various plant secondary metabolites and for diuretic properties. Methods: The diuretic properties of 3 extracts of A. boonei stem bark were evaluated by determination of urine volume, electrolyte concentration and diuretic potency in male Wistar rats. Extracts were administered orally at doses of 250 and 500mg/kg respectively. In the assay frusemide, was used as reference drug while 0.9% saline was used as control. Results: Preliminary phytochemical examination of this drug indicated the presence of indole alkaloids and saponins but absence of anthraquinones and cardenolides. All the extracts exhibited a dose dependent diuretic property with the methanol extract displaying the highest activity with a potency value of 2.0 at a dose of 500mg/kg/hour while the same dose of hexane and chloroform gave a value of 1.9 and 1.0 respectively. Conclusion: The result of this experiment suggest that Alstonia boonei stem bark extract possessed significant diuretic activity and may be useful in the treatment of urinary oedema and hypertension.