الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract The present study aimed to detect phytochemical constituents of Cynara scolymus leaves extract, (CSLE), determine its acute oral toxicity (LD₅₀) in mice and to evaluate some pharmacological effects of this extract. Tests for the qualitative determination of alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, resins, sterols and/or triterpenes and flavonoids in CSLE were carried out using standard analytical procedures. Total flavonoids content in CSLE were quantitatively estimated. The hepatoprotective effect of CSLE was performed against CCL4- induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The antimicrobial activity of CSLE was tested against some microorganisms. The antidiarrheal effect was studied using castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats and charcoal meal test in mice. The analgesic activity was examined using both acetic acid (chemical)-induced abdominal writhing and radiant heat (thermal) tail flick method in mice. The anti-inflammatory effect was studied using formalin-induced edema in rat’s paw. The results showed that CSLE contains large amounts of flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and saponins. The acute oral LD₅₀ of CSLE was 5.33 gm/kg b.wt. denoting the very low toxicity and high safety of Cynara scolymus leaves. Quantitative estimation of total flavonoids revealed that CSLE contains 498.83 mg/L Quercetin equivalent. It is concluded that CSLE has hepatoprotective, antioxidant, hypochlosterolemic, antidiarrheal, analgesic and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. These findings affirm the traditional use of Cynara scolymus in folk medicine for the treatment of liver diseases, hypercholesterolemia, diarrhea, pain, inflammation, and microbial infections |